Unhappiness at how towns and villages have been named in Irish on new road signs.
The Department of the Environment has been asked to reconsider the introduction of new bilingual road signs around the country. Some of the most vociferous complaints about the signs have come from the west.
Gort Inse Guaire (in English meaning meadow of the island of Guaire) is the ancient name of Gort, County Galway. This name indicates the association with a local seventh-century king while the new road sign and official name is now An Gort, meaning the field.
The new signs are of no benefit, says TD (Teachta Dála) for East Galway Michael Kitt, as up to now an official road sign provided
The actual history and flavour of what that village or town is all about.
Has the expense of the whole project been worth it? Local county councillor Joe Lambert says he just wants to see the job done, but councillor Nioclás Ó Conchubhair believes from a heritage perspective, it is important that the Irish language is retained on official road signage.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 7 January 1991. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
