A 25 foot Hollywood-style sign is erected on a hill overlooking the County Kerry town of Dingle in protest at the official name change from Dingle to An Daingean Uí Chúis.
The 25 foot Dingle sign created by artist Darryl Courtney took four months to make. The art installation is a comment on both the increasing commercialisation of the town and a protest at the official name change from Dingle to An Daingean Uí Chúis.
The name change became official on 28 March 2005 with the implementation by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív of the Place Names Order of the Official Languages Act. Controversy began over the Minister's refusal to allow Dingle to stay on official maps and signposts.
Many locals such as John Moriarty of Dingle International Promotions are concerned about the loss of the Dingle brand name. He says people abroad see the removal of the word Dingle from international promotional maps and road signage as
A ridiculous situation and they can’t understand how we have to fight for it.
A movement to give Dingle and An Daingean Uí Chúis equal status is growing in momentum and saw the launch of a car sticker campaign. Publican Fergus Ó Flaithbheartaigh of O'Flaherty's Bar explains his special message to Minister Ó Cuív,
An Daingean Uí Chúis, Dingle, an rud ná fuil briste, ní ga é a dheisiú, in other words when it’s not broken there’s no need to fix it, message loud and clear.
Kerry County Council says Darryl Courtney’s sign is without planning permission and it will be issuing a planning enforcement notice if the sign is not removed.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 12 September 2005. The reporter is Jennie O’Sullivan.
