Cllr Haughey has consistently pushed for dual language at the Navan Centre to include English and Irish during discussions about promoting and developing the Centre.
Cllr Haughey said, “I believe it is very important when we are spending money promoting and developing Navan Fort/ Emain Macha as one of Armagh’s key tourist attractions and indeed one of Ireland’s most important historical sites that we use both the English and Irish languages.
“There has been many debates in council about this issue and to date no agreement has been reached, which is most frustrating, and is holding up promotion and marketing for the Navan Centre.
“The most recent debate at July’s Monthly Council Meeting was absolutely disgusting with insults trading between Sinn Fein and the Unionists, which were completely uncalled for. The whole debate was dragged into the gutter and in my view was not at all helpful in moving ahead with promoting the Irish Language.
“The SDLP is very clear that we want to see both Irish and English used at the Navan Centre/ Emain Macha.
“It is very disappointing that some portray the Irish Language as a threat or use it as a political football. It is a language which we should all cherish and keep alive, instead of fighting over it. I hope as this issue comes back to committee for discussion that all representatives will be mature and respectful in putting their views forward so that we can have meaningful discussion to find a suitable resolution.”
ENDS