Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
1352. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when he will make a decision in relation to a recommendation by the Placenames Committee (details supplied); the date on which the recommendation will be published; if there are any restrictions on him changing placenames due to uncommenced regulation, SI or legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36558/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been engaging with local groups from Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath since 2022 regarding the Irish language version of the town’s placename.
On the advice of the Placenames Commission, after comprehensive study of the history of this placename, ‘Dún Seachlainn’ was given legal status as the Irish name of ‘Dunshaughlin’ in An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Foirmeacha Gaeilge) (Uimh. 1) (Postbhailte) 1975 under the Place-names (Irish Forms) Act 1973. ‘Dún Seachlainn’ was further confirmed to be the Irish version of the placename under the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003 in the Placenames (Population Centres and Districts) Order 2005.
Under section 32(1)(b) of the Official Languages Act 2003 (as amended by section 14 of the Official Languages Act 2021), the Minister may, having received advice from An Coiste Logainmneacha/the Placenames Committee, amend a placenames order. There are no restrictions on me making such an amendment in order to change an Irish language placename due to any uncommenced regulation, SI or legislation.
I have received a detailed report from An Coiste Logainmneacha/the Placenames Committee on the issues involved in this case and am considering those issues carefully with a view to making a decision in due course.
