Council objects to logo use in anti-Irish language flag

Belfast City Council has said it does not condone the use of its logo on a union flag that includes a swear word and a message opposing the Irish language.

The flag has been erected on a lamp-post on Lisburn Road near its junction with Malone Place in the south of the city.

Some have called for its removal ahead of Belfast next month hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann - the all-Ireland Fleadh - a festival of Irish music and culture.

Stormont's Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said it was engaging with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to "identify the most effective ways to tackle this problem".

The Fleadh, which is being held in Belfast for the first time, is the world's largest celebration of Irish music and culture.

Green Party councillor Áine Groogan, a former deputy lord mayor of the city, called for the flag on Lisburn Road to be removed.

"What we're trying to do with the Fleadh is something with a lot of joy and positivity and [it's] a great asset for the city to have, and I fear it will put people off, seeing something like this," she said.

"I think efforts need to be taken to have it removed as soon as possible."

Groogan expressed "frustration" at what she described as a "hands-off" approach from statutory agencies in response to complaints from some residents.

"I'm quite clear, leaving that flag up creates tensions in the local community - and it needs to be removed."

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which has elected representatives in the south Belfast area, was approached for comment.

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) said it "recognises the considerable anger within the unionist community when it comes to the Irish language".

But a party spokesperson added: "That said, TUV does not believe that the union flag should be defaced in this fashion.

"It is the flag of the nation and needs treated with respect."

Flags have long been a contentious issue in some parts of Northern Ireland.

Political disputes have also flared at Stormont and within local councils over policies on the Irish language, particularly over bilingual street signs.

Plans by the infrastructure minister to spend £150,000 on bilingual displays at Belfast's Grand Central Station are being challenged in the courts.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over flags erected on High Street in Holywood, County Down.

A number of union flags as well as flags displaying the emblem of a flute band have been placed on lamp-posts in recent weeks.

Alliance Party councillor Gillian McCollum said businesses and residents had raised concerns and called for their removal.

"The vast majority of us recognise and encourage the desire and the need to celebrate and commemorate in a respectful and tolerant manner," she said.

"But this is not respectful. These flags are designed to demarcate, to intimidate and to isolate."

In a statement on the flag on Lisburn Road, a Belfast City Council spokesperson said: "We are aware of this flag and do not condone the use of our logo in this way.

"We are liaising with the Department for Infrastructure, as the owner of the lamp-post."

They added the council was "committed to delivering a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann" with a week-long programme including more than 200 events.

A DfI spokesperson said the "proliferation of illegally erected flags, often used to intimidate and mark out territory, is totally unacceptable".

"The department continues to engage with the PSNI to identify the most effective ways to tackle this problem and has been in contact regarding the flag at Malone Place."

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police are aware of a flag erected on a lamppost at the lower end of the Lisburn Road in south Belfast near the junction with Malone Place.

"Officers continue to engage and work with local communities and partner agencies, including land and infrastructure owners, in relation to complaints involving flags and displays."