Notice to Advertisers/Promoters

Limerick City Council has adapted byelaws under Sections 19 and 21 of the Litter Pollution Acts, 1997 to 2003 which forbid the distribution of flyers, handbills, leaflets etc. or the erection of banners or signs etc., within the city, for the purpose of advertising. Limited exemptions apply to some community based groups where an event of particular and verifiable local interest is being promoted. In these cases, the promoters should contact the Environment Department as early as is reasonably possible to seek agreement on a joint protocol relating to the design, siting, height, proximities etc. of signage. The City Council is keen to promote a constructive and co-operative approach in this regard.

Advertisers should note that the placement of advertising material in any public area in the city (including street furniture, open areas, or on vehicles etc.) is strictly forbidden. Where items are erected on green areas, overhead structures or in such a manner which may be deemed to compromise the safety of pedestrians, road users or other members of the public, It is the policy of the City Council to remove these items, to prosecute those alleged to have offended in this regard and to seek recovery of costs incurred accordingly.

There are many events held in the city to which large crowds are drawn, such as circuses, concerts, conferences, exhibitions, fairs, fetes, public meetings, seminars, shows and of course sporting fixtures etc. Promoters of these events are advised that it is the policy of the City Council to prosecute those deemed to have engaged in activities contrary to these byelaws and authorised officers (Litter Wardens and Environment Inspectors) from the City Council are deployed to these events to monitor compliance in this regard. Furthermore, the placement or distribution of advertising material by or on behalf of third parties in any public area, in the vicinity of such events is strictly forbidden. Signs to this effect have now been erected in the city centre and adjacent to a number of sports grounds in the city.

AA Ireland is the only organisation licensed by Limerick City Council to erect signage advertising events within the City Boundary. Further details are available at www.aaireland.ie/signs/ or by telephone on +353 (1) - 617 9966

Section 23 of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997 states that.....

• (1) A person who obstructs or impedes a litter warden or a member of the Garda Síochána who is exercising functions under this Act shall be guilty of an offence.
• (2) A litter warden or a member of the Garda Síochána who-
  • ( a ) has reasonable grounds for believing that a person is committing or has committed an offence under this Act, may request the person to give his or her name and address, and may request that the information given be verified, and
  • ( b ) is dissatisfied with the verification provided pursuant to a request under paragraph (a), may request that the person accompany the warden or member to a local authority office or Garda station for the purpose of the verification.
• (3) A person who-
  • ( a ) fails to give his or her name and address when requested to do so under subsection (2)(a) or gives a name or address that is false or misleading, or
  • ( b ) fails to comply with a request made by a warden or member under subsection (2)(b), shall be guilty of an offence.
• (4) Where a litter warden makes a request of a person under this section, the litter warden shall, where the person requires proof of the litter warden's authority, produce to the person a certificate or other evidence of such authority.
• (5) A litter warden who believes that the assistance of a member of the Garda Síochána is required in any particular instance to prevent the obstruction of the litter warden in exercising the litter warden's functions under this Act may request such member to assist to prevent the obstruction and the member shall comply with the request.
• (6) A member of the Garda Síochána who is of the opinion that a person is committing or has committed an offence under this section may arrest the person without warrant

Contact

Paul O'Grady
Executive Engineer
Environment Department
Phone: (061) 407193
email: pogrady@limerickcity.ie