A chara, - I refer to the leter from Hubert J. Duffy of Tuesday July 6th on the use of English on road signs in Gaeltacht areas.
I would like to point out that I have made no order in relation to road signs in the Gaeltacht.
The order regarding the exclusive use of the Irish language on road signs in the Gaeltacht was made 34 years ago by Bobby Molloy when he was minister for the environment in 1970.
Since then, difficulties have arisen due to the inexplicable and confusing failure to provide tourist maps that show the placenames as per local usage.
In order to resolve these difficulties, I have now published a draft order which should have the effect that maps of Gaeltacht areas will also show the Irish form of the name.
I believe this will resolve a difficulty that has persisted over the last 34 years.
I hope that this now clarifies this issue. - Is mise,
ÉAMON Ó CUÍV, TD, Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, Dublin 4.