Naming and Numbering

Naming and Numbering of New Development

While the responsibility for proposing naming and numbering schemes for new developments rests with the developer, the Council advises developers of requirements and approves the eventual scheme. The use of the Irish language exclusively is encouraged.

LOCALITY REFERENCE

It is Council policy that the name chosen for a development must reflect the local and/or historical context of the area in which it is located. This should be done in a manner that is not overly obscure or difficult to relate to. This can be achieved by reference to local history, the townland, parish or other long-established name, past industry or employment in the area, local topography, or a well-known association of a significant historical individual, event or custom from the local area. Local history societies or a local library may be able to offer advice. The name proposed to the Naming and Numbering section of the Planning Department must also not duplicate or be easily confused with an existing name in the county or the Greater Dublin Area. This is in the interests of owners, occupiers, visitors, service and utility providers and for rapid emergency service provision. 

GAEILGE/BILINGUAL

The following is an extract from the South Dublin County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 - NCBH17 Objective 3

“To continue to promote use of the Irish Language in the naming of new residential developments”.

Accordingly, the use of the Irish language will be recommended as the primary name, if the developer does not wish to use the Irish name only then bilingual name will be recommended.

Irish translation of the naming proposal must accompany the naming and numbering submission documents which will be sent by the developer to the Registry Section of the Planning Department.  Naming & Numbering Section will review and verify the translation submission including the context, via Oifigeach Gaeilgeand logainm.ie / The Placenames Branch.

NUMBERING

All houses, offices, and other premises should be numbered and duplication of numbers on the same road avoided. Premises should be so numbered that when travelling away from the entrance, or other focal point the odd numbers are on the left-hand side and the even numbers on the right.

Whatever system of allocating numbers is adopted, it is important that there should be consistency within the general area. Avoid using the word ‘block’ or “apartments” in the name of multi-unit developments, instead it is recommended that each block have its own name, and each floor should be numbered along the following lines

1-10 etc (ground floor)

101,102,103 etc.. (First floor),

201,202,203 etc... (Second Floor) etc

SIGANAGE

When a naming and numbering scheme is approved by the Council it is desirable that a uniform system should be put in place regarding signage.

In the case of an approved Irish (only) Naming & Numbering Scheme, the Irish name needs to be displayed on all signage.

In accordance with the provisions of The Official Languages Act and related legislation, in the case of a bilingual Naming & Numbering Scheme, both Irish and English language names must be displayed with equal prominence.

Street signage should be clearly visible to road users, by night is well as by day if possible and should be placed so as to give road users information as to the road-name, when entering the road and, in the case of a long road, at intervals along it. Uniformity in positioning is also desirable. 

Prominent directional signage should be provided for houses or other premises not clearly visible from the road.

ACCEPTABLE SAMPLE – PLEASE SEE BELOW