Election Posters and the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2009

Candidates wishing to stand in the forthcoming local and European

elections in June are advised that  Section 19(7) of the Litter Pollution

Act, 1997 which regulates this activity has now been amended under

Section 9 of the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2009.

Section 9 of the Act provides for the amendment of section 19(7) of the

Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2003. Section 19(7) of the Litter Pollution Act

makes it an offence to exhibit any article or advertisement on any

structure that is visible from a public place unless the exhibitor is

authorised in writing by the owner to do so. An exemption from

prosecution under this section is provided for public meeting, election

or referendum posters; however such posters have to be removed

within 7 days of the date of any poll or public meeting in order for the

exhibitor to avoid prosecution. Section 19(7) however was silent on the

start date from which such posters may be erected.

This amendment rectifies this.

The amendment introduces a time limit prior to public meetings / elections /

referenda from which posters can be erected.  This time period

commences on the date that the Minister makes the order for the holding

of the poll or 30 days prior to the date of the poll, whichever is the shorter

period. The time limit for Referendum posters will not be restricted to 30

days. These posters will be allowed from the date the Polling Day Order is

signed. The new time limits will apply to the forthcoming European & local

elections. In both instances, the Polling Day Orders will be signed in

excess of 30 days prior to the poll, therefore the 30 day limit will apply.

No posters should be erected before Wednesday 6th May 2009.

To contact the Environment Department to discuss election posters:

Telephone:   (061) - 407 190

Fax.:            (061) - 407 255

E-mail:         environ@limerickcity.ie