Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)

I welcome amendments Nos. 45 and 46 which will, in effect, restore the bilingual placename of Dingle-Daingean Uí Chúis. This is a very long-running controversy in west Kerry and there was really no need for it. It has cost the Exchequer much money but the people of Kerry South, and particularly muintir Chorca Dhuibhne, are very grateful to the Minister, Deputy Hogan, for acting so swiftly on this matter to ensure these amendments would be brought before the House. I hope the bilingual name will be restored. This has been ongoing for many years and the people of Dingle voted democratically to have the bilingual name of their town back in 2006. Unfortunately, it has taken this long for it to happen but the people of Dingle are very grateful to the Minister. I was there on Saturday and met many people in the town. Most were asking about this issue and were glad to hear that it was progressing. I thank the people of the town for their persistence in the matter, particularly my colleague, councillor Seámus Cosaí Fitzgerald, who initiated the process of having the plebiscite in Dingle and who has driven this issue over recent years. He has given much time and effort to the matter.

It will have a practical effect. As a resident of the Dingle Peninsula I have met many tourists seeking directions to Dingle because the name has been removed from signposts in Kerry. At least the name of Dingle will return to signposts, which is a very welcome measure. The town is a world-renowned brand name, but unfortunately when tourists see "An Daingean" on a signpost, they do not know it refers to Dingle. The name will be on maps and signposts, which is very important for the local tourist industry which needs every bit of help now.

This is a victory for democracy and the people who spoke at the ballot box a number of years ago are finally having their wishes recognised and implemented by the Government. I welcome that.

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