Local Tidy Towns groups ask election candidates not to put up posters in towns and villages

Tidy Towns groups across Westmeath are joining forces to ask election candidates not to put up elections posters in towns and villages this year.

Among the groups who have so far signed up are Milltownpass Tidy Towns, who secretary is Ronan Lynskey. He said: “We’re collectively calling for a ban on election posters within our town and village centres. Our communities are becoming more aware of the environmental and visual impact of these posters, and, aside from the fact that they look so terrible, it’s an entirely unsustainable practice to have tens of thousands of plastic boards plastered all over the country.

“So we’re appealing to candidates to refrain from erecting them.

“We’re hoping this Westmeath initiative and others like it in other counties around Ireland will spark a national debate on whether the rules governing election postering should be modernised to respect the environment and our civic responsibilities. Surely in the digital era we live in there are other, better, and more sustainable ways of engaging the electorate during election season.”

Cllr John Dolan, chairperson Castledaly Tidy Towns, added: “I think it is important for all candidates to be proactive in refraining from putting their election posters in villages as it’s important for elected representatives who, like myself, are involved in Tidy Towns groups, lead by example by refraining from putting up their posters within the speed limits and help not to add to the signage and clutter for the National Tidy Towns Competition.”

There is also support in Ballinahown, a prize winning Tidy Towns area; Helen Connelly, chairperson, Ballinahown Community Development, said: “Ballinahown prides itself on its approach to sustainability and the election posters in the village are not consistent with that. We support the candidates by encouraging them to take this initiative on board in other villages and towns also. The motion was proposed by our Vice-chairperson, John Dolan and accepted by the committee.”