THE BALLYVAUGHAN Community Development Group has urged Clare County Council members to restore the “iconic” Ballyvaughan signpost ahead of a special meeting on the issue today.
A majority of the council has indicated it will direct the executive to restore the signpost in the Burren village at the meeting today called by 10 of the councillors. Last month, the stripping of the sign by contractors for the National Roads Authority caused a furore, with tourism and community interests deploring the move.
The authority has noted the decision on the sign lies with the council, as it is located within a 50km/h zone. The sign has been used by Tourism Ireland to market Ireland globally.
In an e-mail to councillors, council official Nora Kaye said “the issue of reinstatement of the sign is problematic having regard to national signage policies”.
Co-chairwoman of the Ballyvaughan Community Development Group Mary Hawkes said: “The view of the community is unequivocal: we want our signs back on the sign in its original location.”
In a letter to councillors, Ms Hawkes appealed for their support. “This iconic signpost is part of our heritage, not only of the village of Ballyvaughan, but is now used broadly to represent Ireland and the quirkiness of our culture.
“This is no ordinary signpost.”
Councillors contacted yesterday outlined their support. James Breen called the removal of the signs “scandalous” and Tom McNamara said it was very important for local tourism interests that the signs be reinstated.
