LABOUR Party councillor Joe Leddin is calling on Limerick council members to consider a poster free Local Elections in 2024.
Speaking at a recent Metropolitan District meeting, where Cllr Leddin submitted a motion on the subject, he outlined his views on getting rid of posters.
“The people of Limerick will be facing a minimum of three separate elections next year to include the local and European elections, and the election of a new Mayor for Limerick,” he said.
Cllr Leddin said that “everyone agrees that posters present significant challenges to our environment in terms of their production and equally recycling them post elections. Discarded posters litter areas while cable ties are frequently left on poles for months if not years after elections.”
The City West representative went on to say that because of multiple elections taking place in Limerick in 2024, he sees no value in candidates wallpapering the entire city and every available street pole with posters, stating that digital and social media platforms allow candidate effective ways to engage with the electorate and promote campaign ideas.
“By removing posters, this will enable smaller parties or those with less funds to participate,” he added.
“I understand that the Electoral Commission are set to examine the guidelines in regard to the placement of posters ahead of next years elections. Incorrectly placed posters also present challenges for both pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists as they are often poorly placed leading to issues of safety and vision.”
In response, Cllr Leddin was told by the Council that it can arrange a workshop for the elected members if they wish to discuss the details and practicalities of such a proposal.
