"Resolved that the four new streets off the south side of Grosvenor Street be named Genoa Street, Turin Street, Naples Street and Venice Street". (8th February 1878).
Genoa Street and nearby Turin Street are the only remnants of a cluster of 5 streets of terraced housing named after Italian cities. There was also Pisa Street, Venice Street and Naples Street. They were cleared and the houses were demolished in the late 1970s to pave the way for the construction of the Westlink, although they are not actually under the dual carriageway. The reason for these Italian names is unclear, but it may be significant that Italy had been unified in 1861, and it took until 1871 for the process to be completed. This was shortly before the building of these streets c. 1878. In that context the theme of Italian cities may have been topical. There was also Milan Street not far way, close to Divis Street.