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Two thirds of people who responded to a new survey said they would like to see an “outright ban” on posters during elections.
Researchers from Dublin City University (DCU) on behalf of An Coimisiún Toghcháin found that posters are widely unpopular with one reason cited being that they are unsightly in public spaces.
The research found that around 280,000 posters were produced for the 2024 general election, citing the environmental impact of this being the equivalent of making a full commercial plane take two return flights from Dublin to New York.
The study also said that people were opposed to posters posing a “public safety hazard” – however it did not recommend an outright ban.
Voice of Vision, an advocacy group for those who are blind or partially sighted, further told the study that two of its members had suffered a long-term brain injury after coming into contact with a low hanging poster in 2014. One member also lost the remainder of his sight after the accident.
In light of the study, An Coimisiún has recommended that there should be stricter enforcement of existing rules around posters, a reduction in poster sizes, clarity on responsibility for monitoring compliance, as well as improved facilities for their disposal and recycling post-election.
It did acknowledge that election posters play an important part in public engagement with the electoral process, while noting environmental, public safety and other concerns connected with their use.
The study also included a poll conducted by Ireland Thinks which asked some 1,382 people “would you be in favour, against, or neutral on each of the following potential changes to the rules around the use of election posters.”
In response, 64.9 per cent said they were in favour of an outright ban – while 53.2 per said they would be in favour of reducing the size of election posters. At the same time, the study’s polling found that 59 per cent of those polled became aware that the Presidential election was taking place due to posters.
An Coimisiún had been asked by the Government in July 2023 to include in its Research Programme work “to examine the issue of the use of posters at elections and referendums and consult on placing limitations on the number of posters that can be used or fixing certain locations for their use.”
Art O’Leary, chief executive of An Coimisiún Toghcháin, said: “An Coimisiún was asked to undertake detailed research into the role of posters in Ireland’s elections and referendums as part of our wider programme of work to strengthen and safeguard our democracy. Today, we are publishing that independent research, alongside the views shared by the public through our consultation process and the Commission’s recommendations for the future.
“Election posters have long been part of the landscape of Irish democracy. For generations they have announced campaigns, introduced candidates and brought political debate into communities across the country. Our consultation showed that people hold strong and deeply held views about their place in our elections,” he added.
“Democracy does not stand still. It evolves to meet the expectations of each generation. Our challenge is to preserve the elements of our electoral tradition that continue to serve voters, while ensuring that campaigning is safe, sustainable and respectful of the public spaces we all share.”
He said the recommendations would “seek to strike that balance.”
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