A PILOT programme removing unauthorised signs on roundabouts and roads, is due to begin in the Ballysimon area and will be applied to other parts of the county.
The pilot scheme, introduced by Limerick County Council, will involve the establishment of a limited number of large directional signs indicating the various business parks in Ballysimon.
Guidelines have also been introduced which permit the use of finger post signs for B&B’s, restaurants or hotels.
Under the County Development Plan Section 10.30 ‘Advertising and Advertising signs’, the use of painted signs is encouraged and plastic box signs, which are internally illuminated are prohibited, while the council is to clamp down on signs deemed dangerous or illegal, particularly on National Roads.
“If signs are to be erected this should be done following a planning permission or a licence,” Gerry Sheeran, acting director of services at the council, told a Planning and Development SPC.
“Erecting unauthorised signs, apart from causing damage to the environment, and, in some cases, a distraction to road users also give competitive advantage to those who erect the illegal signs”.
However, councillors were of the belief that the strict regulation of signs would close more rural business.
“We have signs up all over my area indicating small businesses to people and now they are under pressure to remove them,” said Cllr Eddie Wade FF.
“I agree they need to be tidied up but people are barely surviving and wondering where they will earn their next shilling”.
Cllr Noel Gleeson, FF., said that extra consideration should be given to businesses in rural areas that are already at a disadvantage, while Cllr Liam Galvin, FG., said a policy should be drafted that’s fair to smaller businesses.
“We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t raise this”.
Cllr Stephen Keary, FG., said that all signs should be audited, particularly on roundabouts, where it could be dangerous, adding that applications for retention of signs were rarely successful.
“Businesses have to apply for retention or remove the sign and my experience few applications have succeeded.
“It puts additional expense on the applicant for something they’re not able to achieve”.
However, Mr. Sheeran insisted that putting up signs without permission is “flouting the laws.
“At the end of the day you must apply for permission”.
