The Irish language was spoken during legal proceedings in Belfast’s Royal Courts of Justice this week in what language experts say was the first time in nearly 300 years.

The historic court date was part of a First-tier Tribunal (Information Rights), hearing an appeal brought by Conradh na Gaeilge against a decision by the Information Commissioner to uphold Belfast City Council's decision  not to disclose legal advice which played a crucial role in a bilingual signage row at the Olympia Leisure Centre Belfast.

Conradh na Gaeilge and several witnesses from the Irish language community introduced themselves to the tribunal in Irish.

Speaking afterwards, Cuisle Nic Liam, language rights co-ordinator with Conradh na Gaeilge, said: “This legal opinion seriously impacts a community, and, by refusing to release that information, Belfast City Council have precluded the public from seeing the criteria and rationale by which a decision was ultimately taken to reject bilingual signage".

“We believe, given the ongoing consultation into this issue, and the broader debate around language rights, that legal determination directing council policy should be transparent and open to scrutiny and challenge.

“We hope, through this tribunal, that we can return to a culture of openness and transparency, and that future legal determinations sought, and paid for by the Council with rate-payers’ money, are made readily available to communities and citizens across the board.”

The campaign group who appealed the decision to deny access to documentation on the decision taken by the City Council posted on the social media platform X

📢Bhí @cnag ar ais sa Chúirt inniu i mBéal Feirste i gcomhar le @CAJNi & @PILSni, i gcoinne @belfastcc

🚨It is likely this is the first time witnesses have officially used Irish in Courts in Belfast since the introduction of the 1737 Administration of Justice (Language) Act. ⚖️ https://t.co/692GzTPUjN pic.twitter.com/MskUAJrPDZ

— Conradh na Gaeilge ⭕️ (@CnaG) January 15, 2024

The Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 provides for the repeal of the ban, but it has not yet been commenced by the Northern Ireland secretary.

The Identity and Language Act 2022 was initially tabled as the Irish Language Act, which would give the Irish language equal status in the region - similar to the Welsh language act.

However, the original bill proved controversial, and a revised bill which would provide provisions for the:

• Official recognition and protection of the Irish language
• Development of the Ulster Scots and Ulster British tradition
• Two commissioners appointed, one for the Irish language and one for the Ulster Scots/Ulster British tradition
• The creation of an Office of Identity and Cultural Expression
• £4 million investment in an Irish language investment fund.

A particularly polemic issue in recent times has been Irish language signage.

Judgment has been reserved in the landmark challenge to the non-disclosure of legal advice which stalled controversial plans to erect Irish language signs at a south Belfast leisure centre.

The tribunal is expected to deliver judgment on the appeal next month.