Election litter headache is avoidable

Candidates urged to be ‘responsible’ when erecting posters

Councillors and candidates alike have been urged to “be responsible” when putting up election posters in the run up to polling day. They are also being asked to be conscious as to their removal and the potential impact on the local environment.

“We’re good enough to elect these people, so it’s important that they respect the areas they’re canvassing by making sure their posters are put up in a responsible manner, and taken down after in a similar way,” says chair of Cavan Tidy Towns, Paul Lynch.

Conscious that the height of election season coincides with time during which Tidy Towns adjudication also takes place, Mr Kelly says: “We know that some towns have asked election hopefuls not to put up posters within a certain radius of the town centre.

“We haven’t done that in Cavan Town, but what we have had a big problem with in the past is finding the cable ties that are used left behind, or discarded below. That’s obviously very disappointing, and I’d be urging everyone campaigning for candidates to be more thoughtful in that regard this time out.”

In accordance with legislation, election posters are permitted only on suitable lamp standards from Wednesday, May 8, until Friday, June 14 (midnight).

The responsibility for enforcement of litter law lies with the local authority, and any posters in place before or after the stipulated timeframe, deemed in breach of legislation, can be the subject of a €150 on-the spot fine.

Mr Lynch also asked that candidates be “more thoughtful” about positioning “large banner-style” posters on approach roads.

“It can be quite unsightly seeing dozens of these large banner-style on approach roads. We have to work with local councillors, and we hope to in the future as well. But we’d love if they’d take on board this message.

“We all have to work together, and it’s in everyone’s interest that we have and continue to live in a bright and litter free environment.”