Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council approved a dual-language street sign application for Corcrain Gardens in Portadown on a 7-5 vote. Sinn Féin councillors Paul Duffy, John Og O’Kane, Kevin Savage, Mary O’Dowd, Fergal Donnelly and Sorcha McGeown voted in favour, along with Alliance councillor Peter Lavery. DUP councillors Scott Armstrong, Ian Wilson, Kyle Moutray and Paul Rankin voted against, with UUP councillor Julie Flaherty also opposing.

Head of Building Control Tom Lavery told the Planning Committee that two-thirds of surveyed residents on the electoral register supported the Irish-English signs. He noted objections citing costs to ratepayers but advised councillors on using discretionary powers for approval.

Sinn Féin councillor Paul Duffy stated that cost does not override residents' rights to apply for dual signage under council policy. He said objections often stem from opposition to the Irish language rather than community impact and stressed that English signage remains in place alongside Irish.

The vote followed disclosure of council costs from a prior High Court challenge over Woodside Hill signage off Garvaghy Road in Portadown. Figures from a Freedom of Information request showed £76,630 plus VAT spent on legal and consultancy fees.

Local resident Iris Hagan brought the judicial review after councillors rejected a petition meeting policy thresholds of one-third initial resident support and two-thirds electoral register backing. The council approved the Woodside Hill application in February, ending the case.

Conradh na Gaeilge language rights co-ordinator Cuisle Nic Liam said the council spent close to £92,000 including VAT in a failed effort to block the sign.