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Common Errors in Place Names and Road Signage

In order to avoid some basic common errors in Place Name and Road Signage, the following list of common errors has been compiled.

·         When writing Comhairle Contae XXX ensure to drop the h in 'Contae' and spell Contae with a 't';

·         Avoid direct translation from English to Irish, ensuring that the order of the words changes as necessary e.g. 'Bridgets Roundabout', correct translation, 'Timpeallán Bhríde';

·        Avoid using a capital A or N in 'an' or 'na' when either appear in the middle of a name but include if it is at start of the name, e.g. 'An Lár' or 'Lár na Cathrach';

·         Ensure that the official name of an estate or area is used when translating an area / estate name into Irish and not its popularly known name;

·         Before new estates are taken in charge by local authorities, ensure that all signage in Irish is checked thoroughly as it is easier to correct errors made by developers at this stage;

·         The spelling of Áth / Átha, e.g. correct translation: 'Áth Cliath' or 'Baile Átha Cliath';

·         Common templates, i.e. signs to Universities - ensure that correct name for University is used and not signage copied from a university from another area.  

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Did You Know?
  • Since 2000 local government and local development agencies operate together under the umbrella of local government and are responsible for proposing and implementing strategies for economic, social and cultural development within each county.
  • Development of the Arts is a relatively recent item to the list of local authority policy initiatives.
  • Prior to the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898 the administration of local affairs in Ireland was undemocratic and in a state of chaos with policy decisions made at a distance in London mostly serving the interests of landowners.