Vandalism to dual-language signs in the Clogher Valley area of Co Tyrone has been reported to police as hate crimes.
Sinn Féin councillor for the area, Gael Gildernew, expressed particular anger at the destruction of a road sign which also had the letters ‘UVF’ spray-painted over it.
The letters were also painted on a bus stop beside the sign.
Carrycastle Road
She said: “This attack on the Carrycastle Road is the latest in a series of attacks on Irish language road signs in recent weeks, including attacks on the Battleford Road and repeatedly on the Killylea Road in Caledon.
“This most recent attack has a sinister aspect with the wording ‘UVF’ being sprayed on the road signs.
“Dual language signage is subject to a rigorous process by council which involves the local community living on each road prior to erection of signage and therefore, these attacks go against the consent of the people living in the area.
“The vandalism of this sign and others in the area form part of a campaign of intolerance against the Irish language and should be condemned by all.
“I have reported these attacks to the PSNI as hate crimes and will be meeting with them to discuss these incidents. I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward so those who are behind these attacks can be held to account for their actions.”
Mid Ulster sign
The PSNI has been contacted for comment.
Independent republican councillor Kevin McElvogue added: “Once again our dual language signage has been defaced, the Irish writing has been sprayed over and UVF sprayed on. There’s no place in our community for this anti-Irish bigotry and racism.
“Bíodh ciall agaibh. Is é ár theanga dúchais. [Be sensible. Our native language is Irish].”