Written answer
Election Management System
1762. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 1688 of 28 July 2026, to confirm whether Local Authorities have responsibility for enforcing the relevant laws in relation to election posters; and to confirm if a different body has responsibility. [59992/26]
Comment on this
Under section 147 of the Electoral Act 1992, it is an offence for a person to display any poster (other than one displayed by the returning officer) for the purpose of promoting the interest of a political party or furthering the candidature of a candidate or candidates or soliciting votes for a candidate or candidates or for any contrary purpose, in or in the curtilage of a polling station, or in any place within 50 metres of such station, between 30 minutes before polling and 30 minutes after the closing of the poll. The prosecution of offences is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
In addition, sections 19 and 20 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 set out the requirements in relation to the erection of election posters and the enforcement powers of local authorities to remove posters in certain instances. Section 28 of that Act provides that local authorities and An Garda Síochána may issue fines and/or prosecute in respect of posters that are not removed within 7 days after the date of the electoral event.
Furthermore, section 95(14) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 provides that it is a distinct offence to provide any sign, device, notice, or light visible from a public road that:
• Is capable of being confused with a traffic sign
• Makes an official traffic sign less visible to road users
• Obstructs the view of public road users, rendering the road dangerous
Responsibility for enforcing Section 95(14) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 is shared between local authorities and An Garda Síochána. Local authorities hold primary operational responsibility for maintaining road traffic signage and clearing hazards. Any breach of this section constitutes a legal offence and therefore An Garda Síochána maintains full statutory power to prosecute individuals who violate the law.