CLLR SLAMS ‘BASTARD’ USE OF IRISH ON A TRAIL SIGN
A COUNCILLOR has described the Irish language used on a new multi-million euro walking trail as “despicable” and “bastardised”.
The Limerick Greenway – a pedestrian and cycling route which connects Rathkeale, Co Limerick, to Kerry – was re- opened this summer after an upgrade.
But Independent Councillor Jerome Scanlan says the Irish language posted on the new signage is “dreadful looking”.
The phrase An Bealach Glas appears on some of the old signage.
However, the Limerick councillor fblasted some of the new signage which describes the greenway as Glasbhealach Luimnigh.
A local authority spokesperson insisted the language is correct.
A spokesperson said: “We have a translation company that we’ve checked this with and they’ve informed us that ‘glasbhealach’ is the correct term.”
Cllr Scanlan accepted it might be technically right, but he says he has had complaints from many local Irish teachers.
Dread
He fumed: “The language is bastardised. Bealach is a way. A greenway should be bealach glas. The description comes before the noun in the Irish language, the adjective describes the place. I think it looks despicable – it’s dreadful.”
“Someone told me it is the worst form of Googleism. Teachers of Irish warn their students if they rely on Google for their translations, they can smell it a mile off,” he said.
Cllr Scanlan called for the removal of the new large signs, pointing out that some of the older brown tourism signs carry what he says is the correct term of an bealach glas.