Edenderry street chosen for Offaly's first Rainbow Crossing

JKL Street in Edenderry has been chosen as the location for Offaly's first Rainbow Pedestrian Crossing.

Cllr Mark Hackett told the Tribune that, during a consultation with the Council's Area Engineer, it was decided to opt for the crossing on this street.

Cllr Hackett pointed out that pictures in the media of the LGBT+ crossings show rainbow-coloured crossings running across the road but this is not what he wants. “I am looking for minor painting of the roadway, no more than about a foot in width, adjacent to the pavement. I am conscious of the fact deviations from established zebra crossings are considered unsafe, unexpected and could present a danger to road users.” At some crossings in Ireland the local authorities have painted rainbow colours running alongside the zebra markings, but Cllr Hackett said he isn't seeking this.

There was a mixed reaction to the Councillor's call for the creation of the crossing during the June meeting of Offaly County Council.

In a Notice of Motion submitted to the Council meeting, the councillor called for the introduction of the crossing, at an appropriate location, “in recognition of the marginalised position of members of the LGBT+ community and to coincide with Pride Month”. The motion was seconded by Cllr Seán O'Brien.

Some councillors told the meeting that they were not against the LGBT+ community but they were wondering about the wording of the councillor's motion. However, in spite of their misgivings, they didn't submit a countermotion.

Cllr Hackett said the Crossing is a “sympathetic gesture” and there are quite a few Rainbow Crossings in Ireland, including Limerick, Cork, Dublin, Waterford and Portlaoise.

Cllr John Leahy told the meeting that he doesn't think the LGBT+ community are marginalised. He said the community has enjoyed a lot of publicity in recent years and it's time to equally focus on other marginalised groups. "We have Pride Month, we have flags in most schools. We have the flag outside the Áras when asked for. Where does this stop?”

Cllr Tony McCormack said he also had a problem with the word “marginalised” in the motion. Cllr John Clendennen agreed. He said there's a danger of finding prejudice, of believing that certain groups or individuals are being prejudicial, when in fact no such prejudice exists. Cllr Clendennen warned that they should be cautious about appearing to favour one group or groups over other groups.

Cllr Hackett told the Tribune this week that he was saddened to hear negative reactions to his proposal. He said his proposal is coming from a good place. “If other groups asked me for a similar show of support I would give it. For example, if Ukrainians asked me for a display of solidarity I would have no hesitation. Through my work on gender-based violence in public spaces I have become increasingly aware of how isolated and vulnerable LGBT+ people can feel. This crossing is a symbolic gesture, designed to raise awareness of the need for inclusiveness and safety. I feel that our work as allies of LGBT+ people in Offaly must be proactive. The idea of this Rainbow Crossing is to bring this visible reminder of inclusion and safety to Offaly."

Christina Fitzharris, Coordinator at the Midlands LGBT+ Project, pointed out that Offaly is one of the only counties left in Ireland without an annual pride parade or festival and “it is imperative that we send messages of solidarity to our local LGBT+ people in Offaly that they are safe and welcome here, especially at this time when reported hate crime and hate crime related incidents have risen 23% in the past year. A rainbow crossing will help show support and allyship to our LGBT+ community as it has in many other counties across the country."