A Belfast City Council committee voted 9-9 on a proposal to install dual-language street signs with Irish at Stormont Park in east Belfast. The chairman cast the deciding vote on Wednesday night to reject the request.

A household survey recorded 67.47% opposition and 15.66% support among residents. The council policy sets a 15% support level as the requirement for approval.

Ulster Unionist alderman Jim Rodgers stated the 15% threshold enables a small group to overrule most residents. He said the policy lacks legitimacy when used to add signs against local preference.

Rodgers noted the threshold stood higher in the past before council changes lowered it. He called for an increase to 51% to ensure majority backing.

Traditional Unionist Voice councillor Ron McDowell said the case reveals the policy's potential to divide communities. He argued that overriding most residents' views in a unionist area undermines the consultation process.

McDowell added that individuals may learn Irish by choice, but adding signs where communities reject them damages relations.