Lawes pledge on posters a real sign of the times
A NAVAN councillor has pledged not to erect election posters in the run up to the local election in June.
Cllr Alan Lawes said he won't be putting up the environmentally damaging posters, as he considers them litter, "they involve a lot of plastic and it is not fair that an election can be decided on who can afford the most posters."
Cllr Lawes was first elected in 2019, despite running a poster free campaign for that election. "There really is no need for posters. I think my election in 2019 proved the point," he said.
"Politicians should lead the way when it comes to combating climate change. To lead by example all politicians should get rid of plastic posters once and for all.
"Aside from the environmental damage, they are just not worth it. On the day of election count, candidates will have to be worrying about getting people out to take down their posters. I wont be worrying about that," he said.
Johnstown Tidy Towns Committee has appealed to all candidates not to erect posters in the Johnstown area of Navan and said that candidates who abided by this would have an opportunity to have their profile on the group’s Facebook page. They will be writing to the election candidates, urging them not to hang posters in their area.
They ask tkat they keep the area from the junction of Metges Road with the Dublin Road to the junction of Metges Road and the Kentstown Road poster free and to also keep the area from the Dublin Road to the school campus and Bothar Sion free of posters.
The group has pointed out that the posters " are totally unnecessary, environmentally damaging, visually overpowering and a complete waste of money."
Meanwhile, ESB Networks has warned of the risks associated with erecting posters on electricity poles.
The company points out the erection of posters on electricity poles is strictly prohibited and poses a serious safety risk to members of the public as well as ESB Networks staff and contractors.
"Hazardous situations have been created in the past by people erecting posters on live electricity poles. ESB Networks’ wires and equipment are always live. Attaching anything to electricity poles exposes you to the risk of electric shock, burns and falling from a height. Posters attached to poles have caused poles to catch fire and fall. It is never safe to interfere with electricity equipment," said Michael Murray, ESB Networks Public Safety Manager.
“ESB Networks regularly advise members of the public to always stay clear of electricity poles and wires through our various campaigns. It is important that these messages are taken on board in the interest of safety. ESB Networks has previously been required to interrupt the electricity supply to households and businesses in order to safely remove posters.”
"You should always stay safe and stay clear of electricity wires and cables as these are always live and potentially dangerous. If you see a potentially dangerous situation or in the event of an emergency involving the electricity network, please contact ESB Networks on our 24/7 emergency phone number: 1800 372 999."