asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the confusion caused to tourists in Gaeltacht areas of West Galway because of the daubing of road signs; and if he will take steps to ensure that they are cleaned at once.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gaeltacht Road Signs.
109.
Last year I made regulations providing for the use of the Irish version only of the names of places in the Gaeltacht on signs within Gaeltacht areas. Bord Fáilte, who provide such signs, are at present surveying these areas preparatory to preparing a programme for the implementation of the regulations. I understand that it is hoped to commence work on the replacement of signs in the Connemara Gaeltacht some time in the autumn. In the meantime the maintenance of existing signs is a matter for the local authority concerned.
Is the Minister aware of the confusion caused to tourists in West Galway due to the fact that on the bilingual road signs the English version has been rubbed out? Now that the Minister is going to agree with the dissident groups who did this, is he going to ensure that signs in Irish only will be erected? Has the Minister asked the Galway County Council for approval?
This goes beyond Question No. 109.
In relation to the provision of signs in Irish only in Gaeltacht areas, it is a matter for the Galway County Council if they so wish to provide for the cleaning of the signs that have been defaced until such time as they are replaced. It is expected that they will be replaced some time in the autumn.
Can the Minister state who requested replacement of the signs in Irish only?
It was a Government decision.
Who will pay for them?
That is a different question.
Is it not a waste of money in view of the fact that there were road signs already there?
It is well known that Deputy Coogan has little respect for the Irish language and this is another effort——
My people had respect for it. They fought for it when it was dangerous to do so. They did not jump on the bandwagon.
I am calling Question No. 110.