Students at Queen's University Belfast are voting in a referendum on reintroducing Irish-language dual signage in the students' union. The signage was removed in 1997 following opposition from some unionist students and a recommendation from the Fair Employment Commission for a neutral environment. Online voting closed Thursday evening with results expected Friday.

If approved, the university name would appear as Ollscoil na Banríona Béal Feirste alongside the English version in a bilingual logo. A separate question asks if Irish and English should receive equal status at the university.

Eoghan Ó Conghaile, a second-year Irish and politics student and member of An Cumann Gaelach, leads the yes campaign. He states bilingual signage adds Irish without removing English and challenges claims of a chill factor for unionists, noting existing British symbols on campus like a portrait of King Charles and engravings referencing Queen Victoria.

Jay Basra, chair of the Young Unionists society and member of the Orange and Ulster Scots societies, opposes the move. He says it risks making the students' union a cold house for unionists and could hinder campus relations, though he supports people learning Irish.

Matthew Shanks, another unionist student, compares Irish signage to territorial markers like painted kerbs or flags.

University data from December shows a 227 percent increase in students registering for Irish-language courses. An Irish language officer was appointed at the language centre last year.

Ciara Donnelly, a law and politics student, supports restoration and notes widespread apathy or approval among peers. Hamza Ally, an Egyptian law and politics student, expected more Irish exposure upon arrival. Scarlett Murray confirms she voted yes and rejects viewing Irish as divisive.