Galway City Council insists that all new housing estates are given names in the Irish language.
The Galway City Council policy of naming new housing estates in Irish only, has been called too strict and over the top.
Two of the city's councillors say that the ban on English language names causes confusion, especially amongst those visiting Galway and should be reviewed. Organisations promoting the Irish language are opposed to any change to the present policy.
The city council's Irish language policy in the naming of new estates was adopted about ten years ago and has only recently come under criticism.
Galway City councillor Terry O'Flaherty believes the naming of housing estates has got out of hand and they all sound the same from 'Gort Na Coiribe' to 'Dun Na Coiribe'. She says that the naming is confusing to residents and visitors alike. Galway is an English speaking city that depends on tourism.
'Gaillimh Le Gaeilge', an organsiation which promotes the everyday use of the Irish language, says that many places around the country are following in the example set by Galway. Bríd Ní Chonghóile of Gaillimh Le Gaeilge argues that the names give a sense of place to Galway. Pronunciation is taken into consideration and when deciding on names.
The issue is to be discussed by the community social and cultural policy committee. Recommendations will then be put to Galway City Council.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 24 April 2002. The reporter is Áine Lally.
