Place names are an important aspect of our cultural heritage. They have the ability to communicate the relationship between people and their landscape and environment. There are over 1300 townlands in County Sligo and the place names contained within them reflect the natural, built and cultural heritage of these localities.

The importance of place names in our society cannot be underestimated, and by ceasing to use, or ignoring, the rich variety of indigenous place names in County Sligo, we are in danger of losing a vital part of our heritage forever. It is also important to ensure that no duplication of place names occurs (in new developments) in order to avoid any confusion as regards postal addresses.

The Place Names Committee for Sligo is responsible for:

• Naming of new developments, to include Local Authority developments
• Advising on the implementation of Part 18 of the Local Government Act, 2001 (i.e. changing of names of areas and display of names of streets etc.)
• Interpretation of existing place names

The Place Names Committee also consider any other issues referred to it by the Sligo County Council and make appropriate recommendations.

The PPN representative for the Sligo Place Names Committee is: