Calls for Irish language signs at four entry points to village

THE COUNCIL have said that they would be prepared to assist with erecting some Irish language signage for Clondalkin provided it is not too costly.

That is what Councillors were told at the Clondalkin Council Meeting on April 17.

“If we are into a large amount of money for two signs, we’ll see, if it’s a small amount of money I can’t see there being a huge, maybe we’ll do some sort of agreement, part and part,” said John Hegarty, Senior Engineer, Roads Design section.

Councillor Francis Timmons (Ind) had asked the Council to erect signage ‘Fáilte go Líonra Gaeilge Sráidbhaile Chluain Dolcáin’ at the four main entry points to the village to mark and inform that Clondalkin is a Líonra Gaeilge.

However Cllr Timmons felt that he had received “a standard” response from the Council.

“I think it’s important that it is marked somewhere because it’s a huge honour,” he said.

In his reply, Mr Hegarty said he felt Cllr Timmons request should be kept separate from ‘Welcome’ signage.

“Because what we are trying to do with the ‘Welcome to Clondalkin’ or welcome to any of the major towns is to get a consistent design and branding,” he said.

“However in his initial reply Mr Hegarty felt that the Council could “do a mark of honour somewhere to mark the town in terms of [it being a Líonra]”.

Mr Hegarty accepted that the rollout of the County Wide Signage Strategy has been a long time coming.

“It has been a long time noted, ten years talking about it,” he said.

Councillor Trevor Gilligan (FF) pointed out the Jonathan Wade sign on top of Woodford Hill/Monastery Road.

“It’s beautiful, … it’s in fitting with the rest of the culture and the sign that’s there already, it doesn’t stand out, but it’s a lovely small icon of remembrance to a man who was very talented who passed away far too soon,” Cllr Gilligan said.

Mr Hegarty noted Cllr Gilligan’s suggestion.

“I note the Jonathan Wade, we certainly can have a look at that sign for its style and if we can learn anything from it we will certainly perhaps bring it in to the branding and the designing of our signs if it’s appropriate,” said Mr Hegarty.

However Cllr Timmons was undeterred in getting a more in-depth reply from Mr Hegarty.

“So how do we progress this,” Cllr Timmons said.

Mr Hegarty suggested “one or two signs perhaps” but that “the siting needs to be safe and it needs to be appropriate” and “a little bit of feedback from wherever it is going to be located so at least we don’t put it in a location that perhaps concerns people”.

“So other than that, bring suggestions to me and we’ll get some signs done up,” said Mr Hegarty.