No Irish signage for at least six months

Work to install Irish language signs at Grand Central Station in Belfast will not go ahead for at least six months, the High Court has heard.

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson is challenging Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins’ decision to approve the £150,000 scheme at the city’s new public transport hub.

The court was told on Wednesday it was not necessary to impose an interim order against any changes to signs as the procurement process would take six months.

A barrister representing the minister indicated Mr Bryson could face a claim for damages if he lost his case.

“Let’s say the costs of IT or signage goes up by £50,000 and the case fails, we need to know… if that will be met,” Tony McGleenan KC said.

The judge, Mr Justice Scoffield, asked Mr Bryson if he was prepared to give assurances over any financial damages or losses if he sought and obtained an injunction in an ultimately unsuccessful challenge.

Mr Bryson replied that he would.

“If I was not confident in my own case I would not be here”, he added.

Judicial review proceedings were issued after Kimmins announced in March that Irish signage would be installed at Grand Central and on ticket vending machines.

The minister said she was “committed to the visibility and promotion of Irish language” and it was important that Grand Central Station was “reflective of all citizens”.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said the signs would cost about £150,000.

Work to introduce the bilingual signs had been put on hold until 1 May because of the legal action.

Representing himself in the case, Mr Bryson contends that Kimmins unlawfully breached the ministerial code by failing to refer the issue to the full Stormont Executive.

Mr Bryson said Kimmins had made it clear she did not believe it was a controversial decision.

“She is not for turning…and it is precisely the type of case where the court should intervene,” he said.

Mr Justice Scoffield declined to impose any interim order.

“The main reason why I’m not going to do that is it would put you at risk if it comes to a cross-undertaking in damages,” he said.

“Secondly, I’ve been told by senior Crown counsel, acting on instructions, that the practical position is that nothing is going to happen in the near future.”

“It is unnecessary for me to exercise the court’s coercive powers.”

The judicial review application for hearing has been listed as 9 May.