Belfast: Council badge used in anti-Irish language union flag

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.