Calls made for more Irish Sign Language signage to be put up across Tipperary

A motion has been put forward for the integration of more Irish Sign Language signage across Tipperary.

The motion was proposed by Councillors Pamela Quirke O’Meara, Micheál Lowry, Michael O’Meara, Shane Lee, and Eddie Moran in the recent meeting of the Tipperary County Council on Monday morning.

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The motion was proposed by Councillor Michael O’Meara and seconded by Cllr Pamela Quirke O’Meara.

In their proposition, the Councillors said: “We are calling on Tipperary County Council to erect Irish Sign Language (ISL) ABC signage in Tipperary County Council playgrounds across the county and that Tipperary County Council recognise International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) which is a worldwide event led by the World Federation of the Deaf, taking place this year during the last week of September — from Monday, 22nd September to Sunday, 28th September 2025.

“The International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) is celebrated on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025. We are proposing that Tipperary County Council turn blue on the Tuesday 23rd of September by lighting up Nenagh Castle and the Rock of Cashel.”

Cllr Quirke O’Meara said in the meeting that she was thankful for the communication boards throughout the county.

She cited that there are currently roughly 40,000 people across the country who communicate through Irish Sign Language, emphasising the importance of the signs.

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She discussed the move away from special school education for deaf people across the country, thanks to the rise in visibility and education of Irish Sign Language, allowing for better community integration, and further breaking down barriers between those who rely on sign language and those who don’t.

Cllr John O’Heney spoke of his approval of the motion, stating how he saw the importance of Irish Sign Language visibility from his time as a school teacher, putting forward his support for the motion.

The County Councillors were informed of weekly Irish Sign Language classes which take place each week in the Tipperary Town library.