Placing of alternative street names in Cork city was 'decolonial action'

Two groups which seek to promote the Irish language in Cork city hung alternative street name signs in the city centre this weekend on streets named after British figures.

Liú na Laoi, a community organisation promoting Irish in Cork city and Misneach, a “radical Republican Irish-language organisation”, described the move as “decolonial action”.

A spokesperson for Misneach said: “While Cork prides itself on its radical history, its streets and public spaces remain filled with names that honour the British Empire, royal figures, and legislation that sought to suppress Irish political life.” 

They highlighted streets such as Union Quay, Albert Street, and Victoria Road, which they say celebrate the Act of Union, royal visits during the Great Famine, and the authority of empire.

“We believe these titles represent an outdated and unjust narrative that continues to shape the city’s landscape,” 

the spokesperson said.

Liú na Laoi and Misneach are proposing alternative names rooted in Cork’s own history: Pádraig Ó Cuanacháin, Muirgheal Mac Suibhne, and Leslie Price-de Barra and are calling on Cork City Council to begin a formal process of changing the city’s place‑names.

It comes as street names have previously caused disagreements in the city council chamber, particularly the new VQ nickname for MacCurtain St and surrounding areas which was used by businesses in the area. 

It originally stood for Victorian Quarter, though the businesses now use the name Vibrant Quarter instead.

Sinn Féin councillor Kenneth Collins told The Echo: “It’s called McCurtain St, trying to rename it the Victorian Quarter is an insult to the memory of Tomás McCurtain and to his family.” 

He added that six years ago, a motion of his to rename Anglesea Street to honour the former Lord Mayor of Cork, Terence MacSwiney, who served in this position during the Irish War of Independence in 1920, was approved unanimously.

However, councillors were told “there is currently no legal basis for the holding of a plebiscite in relation to the changing of a placename.”