Change of bye-laws is a sign of the times

Michael Cryan There was a mixed reaction to a new draft signage policy which was introduced by Cavan Town Council to curb the number of signs being erected on roads around the town. At the October meeting town manager, Ger Finn, stated the council was trying to regularise the situation. "Those who want to erect signs or banners across the street, they will have to get permission from now on," he said, adding that they were not banning them completely. Fine Gael member Terry Argue agreed with removing signs from footpaths but he drew the line at this. Did they not realise who kept the town going, the rate payers, and they were doing everything possible to keep afloat. "I don't think we should stand in their way of they want to advertise something." Chairman, Des Cullen, pointed out that some of the signs erected were for events not connected to the town. Mr Argue added that they would have to look at the bye-laws more closely. He claimed that a lot of the signs which had been erected were good, while a lot of the council signs left a lot to be desired. "As a rate payer I will be voting against the new bye-laws," he said. His party colleague Andrew Boylan agreed that the signs should be banned from roundabouts and major junctions. "I don't think it is necessary to have signs up all the time, if it is over done it defeats the purpose," he contended. Fianna Fail's Michael Sexton suggested that billboards be erected in designated area where signs and notices could be displayed. Sinn Fein's Brian McKeown stated the members would save a fortune if they banned election posters. He pointed out that seven businesses were closed on Bridge Street and he asked who was going to go down the street if they didn't know what was there. "People are struggling and they need to advertise," he insisted. He wondered if they could have a universal size sign. The chairman stated there was nothing preventing people putting up signs, it was just the time limit. "Signs could go up four weeks before an event and have to be removed a week later." Mr Finn stated they want to remove signs once an event is over. "It is not good having signs up six months after the event is over." Cllr Argue pointed out that the railings at the top of Bridge Street advertised what was down the street, which was good. He was still against the bye-laws but as a democrat he would go with the majority. At the end of the debate the bye-laws were passed on a vote of five for and three against. Those for were Des Cullen, Patricia Walsh, Michael Sexton, Paddy O'Reilly and Andrew Boylan, and those against Brian McKeown, Terry Argue and Jacqui Lewis.