What is the next stage in the fight for re-naming?

THE estimated cost of running the plebiscite and changing the place names on approximately 46 council road signs is in the region of €25,000.

Solicitor Sinead Durkin breaks down the figures: “Holding a plebiscite to include printing of ballot papers, outward postage and return service, advertising, stationary, verification of electorate etc is €6,000 while an indicative cost for the changing of road signs is estimated between €15,000 and €20,000.”

Once a plebiscite takes place in September the majority of votes have to be in favour, says Sinead.

“We will be literally knocking on doors encouraging people to vote,” says campaigner Tony Connaughton, “Once the voting slips come in electors will have two weeks to return them by free post.”

At that stage if the votes carry, it will go back to the council who will refer it on to the relevant ministers who can create a statutory instrument to change the name, explains Sinead.

As for dissenting voices within the community Sinead says: “There was just one but he is now back on board!”