Cllr Paul McAuliffe

I read with some surprise the comments of Senator Liam Twomey regarding Minister Lenihan’s invitation to this years Béal na mBláth commemoration. It would appear that Mr Twomey believes that only one political party is welcome to celebrate the immense contribution which Michael Collins made to our nation. As someone who was born in the  late 1970’s, I and my generation carry none of the civil war bitterness that divided Irish society for so long and while I am a member of Fianna Fáil, I can identify with the aspirations of both Collins and DeValera and celebrate their contribution to Irish freedom. In fact I would also celebrate the active part members of all political parties play in keeping our democracy and the legacy of the war of independence alive.

What surprised me more was that these comments came from Senator Twomey who until 2004 was not a member of Fine Gael but an independent and yet I presume he was entitled to hold the same affection for Michael Collins then as he does now.  His current position would also seem to be in contrast to the Seanad Debate of November 5th last  in which he discussed Michael Collins with Minister Ó’Cuív and said “I would say most would accept they (Collins and DeValera) were great friends and that it was unfortunate what had happened.”

Perhaps the real insult to the memory of Michael Collins is not that a member of Fianna Fáil will speak at Béal na mBláth but that there is a grubby attempt to use his legacy to seek publicity.

At this weeks development plan meeting Councillors agreed to remove residential development from the list of uses attached to Z15 zonings. This will ensure that lands currently used for institutional purposes such as schools and hospitals will require the approval of the City Council before they can be developed for residential purposes. This is particularly important to protect local facilities such as the playing fields at the old De La Salle school on Glasanaon Road. While it may be possible to develop some residential units on these sites along with other community facilities any plans will have to be discussed by the local area council and approved by the full City Council.

Ba mhaith liom Comhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath a mholadh go hard as an gcinneadh a glacadh ag cruinniú na hoíche aréir gan an rún chun eastáit tithíochta nua sa chathair a ainmniú i nGaeilge a athrú.


Baineann tábhacht nach beag le feiceálacht na teanga a leathnú chun an pobal a mhisniú agus a spreagadh len’í a úsáid, agus léiríonn cinneadh na Comhairle Cathrach go bhfuil bród againn as, agus meas againn ar, ár dteanga féin.

Tabharfaidh na hainmneacha Gaeilge ar na heastáit nua deis do mhuintir na cathrach - idir Ghaeilgeoirí, Bhéarlóirí agus lucht labhartha teangacha eile araon – dul i dtaithí ar an teanga agus cothófar tuiscint níos doimhne ar ár n-oidhreacht agus ar ár gcultúr ar shlí neamhfhoirmiúil, taitneamhach leis seo.

I would like to highly commend Dublin City Council for the decision taken at last night’s meeting not to alter the motion regarding the naming of new housing estates in the city in Irish.It is vital that the language is visible to the community to ensure that people are encouraged and inspired to use Irish, and the Council’s decision shows that we have pride in, and respect for our own language.

The Irish names given to new estates will give the people of the city a chance to come into contact with Irish and experience the language in an informal, enjoyable way that will foster a deeper awareness and appreciation of our culture and heritage - for Irish-speakers, English-speakers and speakers of other languages alike.