'We should be reclaiming the city' - calls to 'decolonise' Dublin to remove street names with British empire origins

"Herzog Park controversy has opened new debate about capital's identity Walk around any part of Dublin city and remnants of the British empire remain in the names of the streets. Wellington Quay, Marlborough Street, North King Street, Queen Street, Henry Street, Grafton Street. All are named after members of royalty, aristocracy or landowners in the city when the locations were developed."

"Wellington Quay, Marlborough Street, North King Street, Queen Street, Henry Street, Grafton Street. All are named after members of royalty, aristocracy or landowners in the city when the locations were developed."

Controversy around Herzog Park has reopened questions about Dublin's civic identity and the legacy of British rule. Remnants of the British empire persist in many Dublin street names, reflecting historical ties to royalty, aristocracy, and former landowners. Examples include Wellington Quay, Marlborough Street, North King Street, Queen Street, Henry Street and Grafton Street. These names date to the periods when the streets were developed and mirror the power structures of that era. The continuing presence of imperial-era toponyms influences perceptions of the capital's character and generates debate about historical memory and naming.

Read at Irish Independent