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The damage was caused to dual language street signs in the village of Coagh, close to Cookstown in Co Tyrone Alamy Stock Photo
Tyrone
SDLP says Irish language ‘poses no threat’ as man arrested over damage to dual language sign
A local SDLP MLA remarked that ‘we need to be able to show respect and tolerance for each other’s traditions and culture’.
A MAN HAS been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to dual language street signs in Co Tyrone.
PSNI officers investigating the damage to the street signs in the village of Coagh, close to Cookstown.
A 49-year-old man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of criminal damage and making threats to commit criminal damage.
He has since been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.
The PSNI has called on anyone with information into the damage being caused to dual language street signs in the area to contact police.
Meanwhile, the SDLP’s MLA for Mid-Ulster, Patsy McGlone, has condemned the “repeated attacks on Irish language signage in this area”.
He said such attacks are “totally futile and nonsensical” and welcomed the arrest that has been made in connection to the damage.
“The Irish language poses no threat to anyone and these signs are supported by the vast majority of people living in this area,” said McGlone.
He added: “We need to be able to show respect and tolerance for each other’s traditions and culture and I would urge those behind these attacks to stop.
“The signs will be replaced and all they are achieving is an additional financial burden for the local council.”
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