A chara, - Successive governments, since the foundation of the State, have supported efforts to maintain Irish-speaking communities in the face of global and other forces that threaten the survival of indigenous languages.
To this end, we have a relatively well-funded Government department as well as a successful Gaeltacht-specific development agency. Much energy is put into supporting the retention of these culturally and linguistically unique western European communities.
The North Kerry Gaeltacht has benefited greatly from many Gaeltacht initiatives over the years, and deservedly so. Oireachtas na Gaeilge had some of its best festivals in that vibrant and cultured region. I am also aware of the many valuable investments made by Roinn na Gaeltachta and Údarás na Gaeltachta in the area - investments that have generated substantial business to the advantage of all. The stamp of An Ghaeltacht is all over the town and its environs and one hopes that it stays that way.
Chris Evans (October 25th) rightly points out that the message coming from the ongoing placename controversy is that the people of An Daingean are no longer proud of their Gaeltacht heritage. And he is right to say they will lose out because of this negative perception.
I know that the image generated may be untrue, but I fully empathise with Mr Evans's disappointment. He is the dynamic leader of Coláiste na nGael, a vibrant organisation that promotes Ireland's culture and language throughout the United Kingdom. He is not alone in understanding the imperative of retaining our Celtic culture for Ireland's economic wellbeing. This negative campaign is damaging the peninsula's ability to attract visitors interested in the heritage, language and culture with which the Gaeltacht is synonymous.
When a placename issue such as this one arises, I believe that the best remedy should be a two-hour exposure to Brian Friel's wonderful play Translations. It would be of particular benefit, in this case, to the few local and national politicians who have jumped on the bandwagon of anglicisation.
Tá súil agam go dtagann athrú intinne ar mhuintir An Daingean ar an cheist seo. Is baile thar a bheith tábachtach é An Daingean do thodhchaí na Gaeltachta uilig. Is an-bhuntáiste í an Ghaeilge agus an Ghaeltacht don Daingean agus an ceantar máguaird i ngach slí. - Is mise,
LIAM Ó CUINNEAGÁIN,
Oideas Gael,
Gleann Cholm Cille,
Co Dhún na nGall.
Madam, - I was saddened to see that Chris Evans will not be visiting Dingle next Easter.
That said, I suspect that when he originally booked his holiday the Kerry mountains were lower than those in Scotland, the quality of food was on a par with that currently available and the bungalows were built. - Yours, etc,
JAMIE OLDEN,
North Wall Quay,
Dublin 1.