Election Posters
Election poster and relevant dates
The legislation governing the placement of posters at election time is the Litter Pollution Act 1997 as amended by the Electoral (Amendment)(No.2) Act 2009.
The legislation provides that erection of posters is only permitted from the date the order is made by the Minister appointing the polling day or 30 days prior to the date of the poll, whichever is the shorter period.
Thereafter posters must be removed within 7 days of the polling day.
When an Order for the Local and European Elections 2024 is made the relevant dates will be known
Election Posters – Safety and Protocol
The Roads Traffic Acts contain requirements related to maintaining clear lines of sight for road users, which may impact on where posters can be placed, e.g., not on road signs, at traffic junctions, roundabouts, median barriers, bridge railings over motorways etc.
It is an offence to erect any sign or notice that makes a traffic sign less visible to road users. Those erecting posters should exercise care and caution when on or near roadways and be aware of their safety and that of others. If in doubt check with the Roads Department of Kildare County Council.
To avoid safety risks and complaints from motorists and pedestrians in relation to safety issues associated with election posters the following guidelines may assist:
- Posters that are obscuring the visibility of traffic/pedestrian signals and traffic signs.
- Problems are caused by posters that are erected on poles adjacent to signals or signs.
- Posters that are below head height or resting on the ground. These posters can cause obstructions on footpaths and are particularly hazardous to the visually impaired.
- Protruding cable ties that are at a level that could cause injury to pedestrians, particularly children.
- Posters should not be erected on lamp standards with overhead line electricity feed, traffic signal poles, bridge parapets, overpasses, pedestrian bridges, or roadside traffic barriers.
- Posters should not obscure statutory road signs or traffic/pedestrian signals in any way.
Posters should be securely fixed to poles with cable ties or similar material to facilitate removal without damage to the poles.