Posters may only be erected for a certain specified time period before an election. This time period is either (a) 30 days before the poll date or (b) from the date the polling day order for the election has been made, whichever provides the shorter period of time.
Can posters be put up on billboards?
This is commercial advertising, not election/referendum postering as such - any person may buy this advertising space at any time of the year to advertise their product/service. There are planning regulations relevant to this type of advertising space so check with your local authority planning section.
Can local authorities remove posters?
Section 20 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 gives local authorities powers to serve notices on occupiers of property, visible from a public place, to remove advertisements, if it appears to the local authority that it is in the interests of amenity or of the environment of an area to do so.
Any election/referendum 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 euro. Local authorities are also responsible for the removal of posters which constitute a hazard to either pedestrians or road users. Complaints about such posters should be made directly to the appropriate local authority stipulating their exact location to enable local authorities arrange for their removal
Does the name and address of the printer and publisher have to be printed on the poster?
Since 2025, following the introduction of the European Union (Political Advertising) Regulations 2025, there is no longer a requirement for election or political posters to display the name and address of the printer or publisher. Section 140 of the Electoral Act, which previously required this information, has been repealed. For further information on political advertising requirements, please contact An Coimisiún Toghchán.
Where can posters be erected so they do not cause a disruption to road users?
The Road Traffic Acts contain requirements in relation to maintaining clear lines of sight for road users which may impact on where posters can be placed, e.g. not on road signs, at traffic junctions or on roundabouts where they may cause road safety risks.
It is an offence to erect any sign or notice that makes a traffic sign less visible to road users (Road Traffic Act 1961, Section 95, Subsection 14).
Those erecting posters should exercise extreme caution when on or near roadways and should be aware of their own and other road users physical safety, e.g. crossing busy roads, obstructing footpaths, parking of vehicles etc.
Are there any planning requirements for putting up posters?
In general planning permission is required for the erection of posters unless specifically exempted.
Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2013 provides that the erection of election posters is exempted development subject to certain conditions and limitations and the general restrictions on exemptions provided for in article 9 of the Regulations.
Election Posters and Road Safety Law
Posters should be erected at a minimum height of 2.3 metres above footpaths, cycle tracks or any area to which pedestrians have access.
Posters should not be erected on lamp standards with overhead line electricity feed, traffic signal poles, bridge parapets, overpasses, pedestrian bridges, or roadside traffic barriers.
Posters should not obscure statutory road signs or traffic/pedestrian signals in any way.
Posters should be securely fixed to poles with cable ties or similar material to facilitate removal without damage to the poles. Please note that cable ties should be removed when the posters are being taken down.