South Mayo to be poster free for local elections

THE members of Claremorris Municipal District have unanimously agreed to ban putting posters up in their district for the forthcoming local elections.

In a notice of motion proposing a poster free district, Ballyhaunis Fine Gael Councillor John Cribbin said he was doing so on the back of numerous phone calls he received during Christmas and the new year regarding litter.

“With the very mild weather we had over the Christmas season and new year a lot of people were able to go out walking and running and were shockerd at the amount dumping and litter they saw and asked him to try and do something about it.

“It is regard to litter I felt that for the forthcoming local elections it would be a good idea to ban putting up posters.

“I feel that putting up posters does not influence the votors one way or the other and that was something they could ban which would help with the litter problem.”

Councillor Tom Connolly, who second the motion, agreed with Councillor Cribben that posters didn't influence the people when it came to voting.

Councillor Ryan in supporting the motion said it would have to be a 100% ban.

“These posters are traffic hazards and in places block drivers views, especially at roundabouts.

“But in supporting this it will have to be a 100% ban,” stated Councillor Ryan.

Councillor Richard Finn in supporting the motion also said it would have to be a 100% ban. “It has to be a 100% ban. There is no half duck and no dinner.

“After elections it is alright taking down posters in towns and villages but it is very difficult to take all down out in the country. The fine for not taking down posters is big,” said Councillor Finn.

Padraic Flanagan, Mayo County Council senior executive officer, told the members that while it would help the litter campaign there was no law that could be enforced stopping anyone for putting up posters.