Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise on the Adjournment the matter of changing the placename An Daingean to Dingle-Daingean Uí Chúis. I also thank the Minister for personally taking this Adjournment matter.

In 2006, on behalf of the people of Dingle, Kerry County Council carried out a plebiscite on changing the placename An Daingean to Dingle-Daingean Uí Chúis. There was a 95% vote in favour, but, unfortunately, it has taken five years for anything to be done. The previous two Ministers kept their hands in their pockets and did not deal with the issue. As a consequence, Dingle as a tourist destination has suffered.

I commend Kerry County Council for the manner in which it carried out its work in accordance with the outcome of the plebiscite and the democratic process that had taken place. I again thank the Minister for appearing in person to take this Adjournment matter and compliment him on hitting the ground running in the first 100 days of the Government and dealing with this issue. There will be massive benefits for the entire Dingle Peninsula generated by the tourism sector. I hope the Minister will have something positive to say to the people of both Dingle town and living on the peninsula because, as he is aware, Dingle is a worldwide brand and now a highly cosmopolitan town.