Council opens planning enforcement file into use of English name on Dingle housing development
It is not the first time a dispute has arisen over language issues in Dingle.
Kerry County Council has opened a planning enforcement file into the use of an English name on a housing development in the heart of Dingle.
The use of “Cairn Close”, in the heart of the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht, contravenes a specific planning condition attached to the development, a local councillor said.
Planners last month agreed on the name “Fearran Uí Fhlaitheartaigh”, the name of the townland, in accordance with planning conditions set down by An Bord Pleanála for the six four-bedroom townhouses at Farranflaherty, Chapel Lane.
Condition No 9 attached to the grant of permission required a name and numbering system to be agreed with council planners prior to commencement of development.
The name had to be based on local historical or topographical features.
Advertisements and marketing signs were also to be in accordance with the agreed name.
The name Fearran Uí Fhlaithearthaigh was signed off on in January.
However hoardings advertising “Cairn Close” have now appeared on what construction company Moloney describes as “ a private enclave” and unique development aimed at first time buyers, retirees and others.
The Moloney Contracts website also carries the English name. Cairn Close — 'You Dream it, We Build it'.
Sinn Féin councillor Robert Brosnan has now asked the council to contact the company and ask it to remove the unapproved name.
"It is maddening and insulting for our Gaeltacht community, to see such disrespect towards our language being displayed and advertised. Náireach ar fad i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge leis," Mr Brosnan said.
Moloney Contracts has been asked for comment.
Mr Brosnan also claimed a planning enforcement file has been opened on the issue.
“This is also clearly in breach of the planning conditions that were attached to this development and a case file has been opened with planning enforcement following my complaint,” he said.
It is not the first time a dispute has arisen over language issues in Dingle.
Four years ago there were protests over a “meaningless” Irish name assigned to a Clúid social housing development.
The 20-house development had been named “Pairceanna na Glas” — the name was incorrect in terms of grammar and spelling, locals objected.
It has since been renamed Na Gorta Glasa.
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