Madam, - Denis Healy's letter of September 30th strikes a chord with me. Aside from the two corruptions he mentions in his letter, my favourite placename corruption is one that adorns a number of signposts in our city: "An Ghaillimh".
I've commented publicly on a number of occasions about how unacceptable it is that we cannot get even a simple thing - like spelling our own placenames in the first official language - right.
However, I intend to do more than comment. The Official Languages Act 2003, which was enacted last July, gives me the power to declare the official Irish version of placenames. It also give me power to make regulations in relation to the use of Irish on signage and notices, among other things, and to oblige public bodies to agree statutory schemes with me as Minister in relation to the provision of their services in the Irish language.
An independent Coimisinéir Teanga will monitor compliance by public bodies with the Act and investigate complaints (including complaints about corrupted Irish in road signs) by members of the public.
I intend that the Coimisinéir and the regulations will be in place early in the New Year.
Eanach Dhúin is the correct version of Annaghdown. Incidentally, once I declare an Irish version of a placename in a Gaeltacht area under this Act, the English version ceases to have any legal force and effect and may not be used on any road or street sign.
I am also informed by the Placenames Branch in my Department that an tSimhin is the correct name for the Sheen river. Nothing to do with Oisín at all, I am afraid. The name comes from an old Irish word for reed or rush and is attested in historical sources.
The experts tell me that either the river was seen being as straight and narrow (at some point if not for all its length) as a reed, or a bed of reeds grew in it or on its banks - the precise detail is lost in history.
But Mr Healy's fundamental point is correct - it has nothing to do with the Far East! - Yours, etc.,
ÉAMON Ó CUÍV, TD, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, An Roinn Gnóthaí, Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, Bóthar Mespil, Baile Átha Cliath 4.