190.— (1) (a) A local authority may, in relation to a place that is situated—

(i) in its functional area, and

(ii) in the functional area of another local authority or the functional areas of other local authorities,

by resolution passed by not less than half of the members standing elected or coopted for the time being to the first-mentioned local authority, propose to substitute a new placename (in this section referred to as the "proposed new placename") for the then existing placename in respect of that place.

(b) A proposal referred to in paragraph (a) shall stand adopted by the local authority first-mentioned in that paragraph upon the passing, in accordance with paragraph (c), of a resolution by each other local authority within whose functional area part of the place concerned is also situated consenting to the adoption of the proposal.

(c) A resolution referred to in paragraph (b) shall be passed by not less than half of the members standing elected or coopted for the time being to the local authority concerned.

(2) The boundary of the place to which a proposal adopted under subsection (1) applies shall be described in that proposal whether by reference to a map or otherwise.

(3) A proposal adopted under subsection (1) shall specify the proposed new placename in the Irish language only or in both the Irish language and the English language.

(4) Where a proposal stands adopted under subsection (1), each local authority shall, in respect of that part of the place situated in its functional area—

(a) notify such persons, or persons belonging to such class of person, as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Minister of the adoption of the proposal, and

(b) publish a public notice of the proposal inviting submissions in writing from members of the public in relation thereto not later than 2 months from the date of the publication of the notice.

(5) A person who receives a notification under paragraph (a) of subsection (4) shall be entitled to make submissions in writing to the local authority that gave the notification in relation to the proposal concerned not later than 2 months from the date of the notification.

(6) A local authority shall consider any submissions received by it in accordance with a notification under paragraph (a) of subsection (4) or a notice under paragraph (b) of that subsection.

(7) After considering any submissions referred to in subsection (6), each local authority concerned may, by resolution passed by not less than half of the members standing elected or coopted for the time being to that local authority decide—

(a) to hold a ballot of the qualified electors registered in the place to which the proposed new placename applies in respect of the proposed new placename or such alternative to the proposed new placename as the local authorities concerned consider appropriate, or

(b) not to proceed with the proposal to change the placename of the place concerned.

(8) A ballot to which subsection (7) applies shall be in secret and shall be conducted in accordance with regulations made by the Minister.

(9) (a) Subject to subsection (3) of section 192, if a majority of the votes cast at a ballot held pursuant to a decision under subsection (7) is in favour of the proposed new placename concerned the Cathaoirligh of the local authorities concerned shall jointly declare that, from such date (determined in accordance with paragraph (b)) as is specified in the declaration, that proposed new placename shall become and be the placename in respect of the place concerned.

(b) Where the Cathaoirligh of the local authorities concerned make a declaration under this subsection, the placename specified in the declaration shall—

(i) if the declaration is made not less than 3 months before the 1st day of January next following the declaration, become and be the placename in respect of the place concerned from the said 1st day of January, or

(ii) in any other case, become and be the placename in respect of the place concerned from the first anniversary of the said 1st day of January.

(c) Every declaration under this subsection shall be published in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Minister and shall be notified in writing to such persons, or persons belonging to such class of person, as may be so prescribed.

(d) Every declaration under this subsection shall be published in Iris Oifigiúil, as soon as may be after its making.]