Irish language names requested for housing estates in this Kildare region

Irish language names have been requested for housing estates in one County Kildare region.

The subject was raised at the latest Athy Municipal District (MD) meeting, which took place on Monday, April 20 last.

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Near the end of the meeting, Fianna Fáil councillor Brian Dooley motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to 're-emphasise the importance of naming estates in the Irish language in this MD, which is a policy of this council'.

His motion was seconded by his party colleague, Cllr Veralouise Behan.

LONG REPORT

In response to Cllr Dooley's motion, KCC issued a lengthy report.

It read as follows: "KCC acknowledges the intent of this motion and confirms that the promotion and use of the Irish language in the naming of new residential developments remains an established and supported policy position of the authority.

"Section 15.4.15 of the County Development Plan 2023 to 2029 provides a clear statutory policy basis for the use and promotion of the Irish language in development naming.

"This section supports the use of Irish or bilingual names for new residential developments and associated signage, particularly where such names reflect local townlands, historical placenames or cultural heritage, and where they contribute positively to place-making and legibility."

KCC continued: "Members will be aware that the Naming of New Residential Developments Policy Document sets out clear guidance for developers and applicants in relation to the naming of housing developments.

"The policy places a strong emphasis on the use of Irish-language names, reflecting local heritage, placenames, landscape features and historical associations, and seeks to ensure consistency, clarity and cultural appropriateness in estate naming throughout the county.

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"This policy approach is further reinforced through the Taking in Charge Policy 2023, which requires that the naming of developments be agreed with the Planning Authority prior to the taking in charge process.

"Developments that do not comply with KCC's adopted naming conventions, including the preference for Irish language names where appropriate, may be required to regularise naming as part of the taking-in-charge process in order to ensure alignment with KCC policy and signage standards.

"The Planning Department continues to engage proactively with applicants at pre-planning and application stage to ensure awareness of these requirements."

KCC further said: "Conditions relating to the naming of developments are routinely attached to permissions where necessary to secure compliance with adopted KCC policy.

"The importance of early agreement on estate naming is also reiterated to avoid delays or complications at later stages, including connection to services, addressing, emergency access, and the taking in charge of estates."

KCC concluded: "In this context, KCC agrees with the sentiment of the motion and will continue to re-emphasise the importance of Irish language naming in all relevant planning, development management and estate management processes, in line with adopted policies and the County Development Plan."

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'LACK OF EFFORT'

Speaking further on his motion, Cllr Dooley told KCC: "A lot of developers lack the effort to try and name housing estates as Gaeilge."

He also suggested: "Maybe we could look at names of historic significance or heritage, or even well-known Athy figures from history?"

"I know it's only a small piece of the [planning] criteria but we need to be cognisant of it," Cllr Dooley added.

He concluded by saying that he was happy with KCC's report.

The Mayor of the MD, Fine Gael Cllr Ivan Keatley, showed support for Cllr Dooley's sentiments, and told KCC: "We need to have a strong policy on this [referring to the Irish language naming of housing estates]."

Fianna Fáil Cllr Brian Dooley. Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie

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