The requirements for election posters are set out in Section 19 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2009 and the Electoral Act 1992. Posters may only be erected for a certain specified time period before an election. This time period is either 30 days before the poll date or from the date the polling day order for the election has been made, whichever provides the shorter period of time. Posters must be removed within 7 days of polling day. In relation to referendums, the position is that posters can be displayed from the date on which I, as Minister, make the polling day order appointing the day on which the referendum is being held. Again, referendum posters must be removed within 7 days of polling day.
An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s independent electoral commission, was established in February 2023, on foot of the Electoral Reform Act 2022. An Coimisiún's research, advisory and public information function will see it carry out research on electoral policy and procedure. An Coimisiún is also empowered to advise and make recommendations to me and the Government in relation to any proposals for legislative change, or any other policy matters concerning electoral and legislative proposals.
An Coimisiún’s Research Programme 2024-2026, published on 10 July 2024, includes a commitment to examine the issue of posters. This policy area will be reviewed once An Coimisiún has considered and made recommendations on the issue.
