by Alan Jacques
THE Council is investigating the erection of posters in County Limerick by one over-zealous TD following a complaint from a member of the public.
It now appears that Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Justice and Equality, Deputy Niall Collins, has taken the law into his own hands by putting up illegal election-type posters in areas of West Limerick announcing a “clinic next Monday”.
One local resident contacted the Limerick Post this week to express his dissatisfaction to see “large unsightly election type posters” up in Templeglantine and Mountcollins.
“I see that the date of the clinic is next Monday, which effectively is a recurring date. It never comes,” he said.
Under the Litter Pollution Act it is an offence to erect posters advertising a public meeting 30 days before, to seven days after the date specified. Any posters in place before or after the stipulated timeframe are deemed to be in breach of the legislation and are subject to an on-the-spot litter fine of €150.
A spokesperson for the local authority commented: “Limerick City and County Council has received a query in relation to the erection of the said poster(s) and is investigating the matter. It should be noted that all advertising, including posters, is only permitted 30 days before and seven days after an election.”
Deputy Niall Collins declined to comment on the matter.
