Motion on local election posters sparks debate at Kildare County Council meeting

A motion concerning the potential locations for election posters in the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District (MD) prompted a debate among councillors.

The motion was heard at the latest MD meeting, which took place on Friday, January 5 last.

Green Party Cllr Peter Hamilton put forward the following motion to Kildare County Council (KCC) at the meeting: "That the council prepare a central point for election posters and guidelines for election postering in our towns, villages and communities in this MD to support visual amenity and reduce littering associated with the election process, and candidates reach an agreement to adhere to guidelines and use nominated spaces exclusively for all town centre postering."

His motion was seconded by Independent Cllr Pádraig McEvoy.

In its report at the meeting, KCC noted that the requirements for election posters are set out under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2009, and added that the Road Traffic Acts also contain requirements in relation to maintaining clear lines of sight for road users, which may impact on where posters can be placed.

KCC also said in its report: "Election posters may only be erected for a certain specified time period before an election.

"This time period is either (a) 30 days before the poll date or (b) from the date the polling day order for the election has been made, whichever provides the shorter period of time.

"Posters must be removed within seven days of polling day."

Green Party Cllr Peter Hamilton.

Speaking to those in attendance at the meeting, Cllr Hamilton said that the poor placement of campaign posters can lead to 'reputational damage.'

Fianna Fáil (FF) Cllr Naoise Ó Cearúil said that while he understood Cllr Hamilton’s sentiments, Cllr Ó Cearúil added: "Posters are an important part of the democratic process in Ireland; a centralised location for posters could put new candidates at a disadvantage."

In response, Cllr McEvoy joked: "Unlike Cllr Ó Cearúil, I want 'to be part of the change'... that was a gentle poke!" he said directly to Cllr Ó Cearúil.

Cllr McEvoy added: "Of course, there should be some element of raising your profile through putting up posters."

He also said that KCC could look at restrictions or even 'quantity limits' for putting up posters, and that the members should be aware of the environmental impact that the posters may have.

Fine Gael (FG) Cllr Brendan Weld said that he disagreed with Cllr Hamilton’s point, adding: "We are talking about democracy here; we already have low voter turn-outs in elections, and posters help to generate political interest, especially in rural areas."

He too cited Cllr Ó Cearúil’s concern of new candidates being put at a disadvantage.

Labour Party Cllr Angela Feeney also said: "While we need to be aware of the new candidates, we also need to listen to, for example, the Tidy Towns Associations, (when it comes to this issue).

"However, we must remember that most of us here recycle their posters."

She added: "I understand Cllr Hamilton’s point, but I am not sure exactly what he means by having a central point, and how exactly it would work."

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FG Cllr Brendan Wyse also largely disagreed with Cllr Hamilton’s motion, as did his party colleague (and Chair of the meeting), Cllr Tim Durkan.

FF Cllr Daragh Fitzpatrick added: "In elections, it’s all about getting your name out there (through posters)."

KCC's meeting administrator, Josh Hannigan, responded that the council can only comply with current legislation, but if it changed, it would follow the updated legislation.

He added that the council is in favour of reducing waste throughout the county.

Cllr Hamilton said that he was happy to see the matter being debated, but also stressed that, occasionally, posters can be 'become loose and fly away', thus contributing to litter in the area.

He also said that some of these posters may contain harmful plastic and microplastics, which could damage the local environment.