Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will illuminate two civic buildings in red, to mark the movement of the Language Rights Act through parliament.
Sinn Féin Councillor Chris McCaffrey proposed the move at a reconvened meeting of the Regeneration and Community Committee to “mark the legislation which has gone through Westminster in relation to the Irish Language Act, and the Identity and Culture Act for the Irish language and, of course, Ulster Scots”.
He continued: “This is obviously a momentous time in the North.
“Irish is the native language of the island. It was here [in] pre-Christian [times] and cannot be sectarianised or politicised.
“I call on this council to support the campaign for language rights, and I extend a ‘well done’ to all the people in Belfast last week representing local Irish language communities and schools.
“I believe as an act of solidarity and support, we should illuminate our council buildings in red, which is the colour that symbolises the campaign for language rights.
“It’s long overdue that the rights of Irish language citizens are recognised in law.”
Seconding, Independent Councillor Bernice Swift said: “I’m very content to support this proposal to light up the buildings. I joined the march in show of solidarity and was proud to do so.”
After putting the proposal to the Chamber, Committee Chair, Councillor Victor Warrington, declared it passed without dissent.
A date has yet to be decided for the illuminations, which will see Enniskillen Castle and the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh lit up in red.
