A Clare tidy towns group is calling for an “outright ban” on the erection of election posters which it’s describing an “old-fashioned” and “antiquated” practice.
It comes after a number of posters for the presidential election campaign were removed from a dual carriageway in Shannon for flouting legislation.
The posters in question, which were put in place by the canvassing teams of Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys on the N19 near Shannon Airport, were taken down by TII on Thursday morning.
In a statement to Clare FM, the agency says “candidates and election workers should be advised that, with the exception of emergency situations, it is illegal to stop on motorways for any purpose including the erection of election material”.
It says “similarly, for road safety and efficiency reasons, the same approach should be adopted in the case of dual carriageways”.
The incident has prompted Shannon Tidy Towns to call for an “outright ban” on the erection of election posters in Clare, in the interests of protecting the environment and creating safer conditions for road users.
Its Chairperson Derek Clune believes there are better ways for candidates to convey their messages.
Ahead of the 2024 Local Elections, Shannon Municipal District adopted a Shannon Tidy Towns proposal to create designated sites in the town where posters could be hung up.
This move was aimed at promoting sustainability, reducing visual impact, preventing litter and encouraging equal canvassing opportunities for all candidates.
As canvassing for the presidential campaign rachets up nationwide, ESB Networks has issued a statement reminding candidates that the “erection of candidate posters on electricity poles is strictly prohibited”.
It’s warned that putting posters on these poles “poses a serious safety risk to members of the public as well as ESB Networks staff and contractors”.
Clare Director of Elections for Heather Humphreys’s presidential campaign, Geraldine Gregan, claims postering is an effective form of canvassing as it doesn’t allow for interference.
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