In a High Court challenge this week, it was disclosed that the cost of introducing Irish language signage at Belfast’s new Grand Central Station could reach up to £3 million. The figure emerged during a judicial review application brought by Jamie Bryson, who is contesting the decision of Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to proceed with the bilingual installation.

Ms Kimmins announced the plans in March 2024, allocating an initial £150,000 for Irish translations on passenger information screens and ticket vending machines at the transport hub. The project has been put on hold pending the legal outcome.

Mr Bryson told the court that updated estimates from the minister’s own department now placed the likely expenditure at between £1 million and £3 million. The higher cost is driven by disability and EU legislation requirements that any changes to physical signage must also be reflected digitally, the court heard.

The campaigner argued that the decision was significant and cross-cutting, meaning it should have been referred to the Stormont Executive Committee under the ministerial code. He claimed the minister had bypassed proper procedures and failed to apply the correct legal test when assessing whether the matter needed wider approval.

The case has attracted interventions from other political figures. DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has joined the proceedings, sharing the view that the decision was cross-cutting. Irish language group Conradh na Gaeilge and TUV MLA Timothy Gaston are also participating. Mr Bryson stressed that his challenge was not about the merits of bilingual signage, but about the legality of the process. The judicial review continues.