Vision Ireland urges General Election candidates to prevent poster hazards

Vision Ireland, the new name for NCBI, is calling on all general election candidates, and future election candidates, to consider people who are blind or vision impaired when hanging up their posters.

As part of Vision Ireland’s Clear Our Path’s campaign, a survey found that 77 per cent of respondents who are blind or vision impaired have been injured by footpath obstacles. This issue affects every community in Ireland around every election. Some of these hazardous posters have been spotted around the country already.

When these posters are placed below the regulation height of 2.3 metres, they create serious safety issues, and dramatically increase the risk of injury to people who are blind or vision impaired. The sharp corners and edges of posters can cause cuts or lacerations to the face, with protruding cable ties also presenting an issue.

Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy, Partnerships and External Affairs with Vision Ireland, said: “It is unacceptable that some election candidates are continuing to create these hazards for people who are blind or vision impaired. The law is very clear that these posters must be placed a minimum of 2.3 metres (7.5 ft) from the ground. Yet, year on year, we see that this is ignored by candidates and they continue to put people at risk. By adhering to the law and placing election posters above the specified height, candidates can convey a genuine sense of responsibility and understanding to people who are blind or vision impaired. This is a matter of public safety and should be taken seriously.”

As the general election approaches and candidates continue to canvass across every street in Ireland, it is imperative that candidates consider people who are blind or vision impaired. Election posters hung below the regulation height create obstacles for them and others with additional accessibility needs, limiting their mobility and putting them in danger. Posters which are hung below 2.3 metres can be removed and disposed of by local authorities. If people spot posters which pose a safety risk by not adhering to regulations, they should notify their county council.

Vision Ireland’s Clear Our Paths campaign highlights the importance of removing these obstacles and how this allows for more accessible public spaces. To find out more about creating accessible spaces, see Vision Ireland’s Clear Our Paths webpage.