Language Commissioner Investigates Incorrect Irish Proverb on Kerry Hospital Bike Shed
The Office of the Language Commissioner has launched an investigation into an incorrect Irish proverb displayed on a new bike shelter at Tralee University Hospital in County Kerry. The structure, which cost €127,385, features the mistranslated phrase 'Health is better than fire' instead of the correct traditional saying. The Health Service Executive (HSE) admitted that a professional translation service was not utilized and attributed the error to a typo, expressing regret for the mistake. This incident has drawn criticism from local politicians and language advocates, particularly given Tralee's status as a Gaeltacht service town with significant Irish-speaking resources. Sinn Féin Deputy Pa Daly highlighted the excessive cost of the shelter while emphasizing the necessity for linguistic accuracy. Local officials, including the Irish Development Officer and the County Council’s Irish Language Officer, confirmed they were not consulted during the design process. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions regarding the proper use of the Irish language in public infrastructure and the adherence to statutory guidelines requiring accurate bilingual signage in public bodies.
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Language Commissioner Investigates Incorrect Irish Proverb on Kerry Hospital Bike Shed
The Office of the Language Commissioner has launched an investigation into an incorrect Irish proverb displayed on a new bike shelter at Tralee University Hospital in County Kerry. The structure, which cost €127,385, features the mistranslated phrase 'Health is better than fire' instead of the correct traditional saying. The Health Service Executive (HSE) admitted that a professional translation service was not utilized and attributed the error to a typo, expressing regret for the mistake. This incident has drawn criticism from local politicians and language advocates, particularly given Tralee's status as a Gaeltacht service town with significant Irish-speaking resources. Sinn Féin Deputy Pa Daly highlighted the excessive cost of the shelter while emphasizing the necessity for linguistic accuracy. Local officials, including the Irish Development Officer and the County Council’s Irish Language Officer, confirmed they were not consulted during the design process. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions regarding the proper use of the Irish language in public infrastructure and the adherence to statutory guidelines requiring accurate bilingual signage in public bodies.
TheJournal.ie