Northern Ireland

Crowds turn out to show support for community diversity in east Belfast

‘So many people who want to express their support for Scoil na Seolta’ - Linda Ervine

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Participants in the Cregagh and Woodstock Diversity Carnival parade, which made its way through the east Belfast community on Saturday. PICTURE: MAL McCANN
By Catherine McGinty

Large crowds of people joined a colourful and musical parade through east Belfast on Saturday, in a show of support for community diversity.

Led by drummers and a banner which read ‘Everyone Belongs Here’ the Cregagh and Woodstock Diversity Carnival got under way at a buzzing Harding Memorial Primary School, with music, bookstalls, face-painting and food stalls.

Linda Ervine, co-founder of Scoil na Seolta – the integrated, Irish-medium primary and nursery school in the area – happily engaged with all comers to her stall.

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Harding Memorial Primary School Diversity Carnival: PICTURE: MAL MCANN

The manager of the Turas Irish language project in east Belfast, said afterwards in a social media post there had been “lots of positivity” at the festival.

“So many people who want to express their support for Scoil na Seolta,” she added.

Despite DUP opposition, Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee approved plans for a temporary nursery and primary school, soft play area, new access, parking, landscaping, and ancillary site works for the Montgomery Road school in June.

Earlier this week, Ms Ervine said she was “absolutely disgusted” by the way Scoil na Seolta had been portrayed as “some kind of threat”.

“Here are our ‘dangerous’ children last year celebrating the King’s coronation. They or their parents won’t be causing a problem to anyone,” she added.

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Participants in the Cregagh and Woodstock Diversity Carnival parade, which made its way through the east Belfast community on Saturday. PICTURE: MAL McCANN

Ms Ervine’s remarks came in the wake of revelations DUP Education Minister Paul Givan met with the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) about Scoil na Seolta. The Minister has to date refused to meet Irish language group, Conradh na Gaeilge.

It was reported he LCC told the Minister Scoil na Seolta had “no meaningful support from the local unionist and loyalist population, and no consultation had taken place with local residents”.

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Participants in the Cregagh and Woodstock Diversity Carnival parade, which made its way through the east Belfast community on Saturday. PICTURE: MAL McCANN

However, the claims made by the group, which represents the UVF, UDA and Red Hand Commandos, were heavily criticised by unionist and nationalist politicians.

Ms Ervine also said she is aware there are many people who wish to show their support for Scoil na Seolta and has set up an online fundraiser to support the project. Donations can be made HERE.