COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, February 04, 2016

MOTION NO. 120

MOTION: Councillor E. Higgins

With reference to Chapter 11, objective 11.2.8, that the regulation of the provision of digital signage be amended to include ‘major roads’ as per the guidelines used in many other countries.

Co Sponsored: Cllr. William Lavelle

REPORT:

It is recommended in the Draft Plan Consultation Report (December 2015) that Section 11.2.8 of the Draft County Development Plan be amended to include additional standards for Digital and Electronic Signage and that such signage should be limited to town centres and/or large retail precincts and that these be subject to certain standards that ensure that make a positive contribution to the public domain and do not constitute a traffic hazard.

It is agreed that, because of their multi-media and interactive qualities, digital signs (such as LCD, LED, plasma or other electronic display area), have the potential to consolidate information and contribute to the vibrancy of the public domain. Restrictions are, however, required in relation to such signs to ensure they do not create disturbance (noise and light projection) or unwanted distraction (road safety).

The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government Circular letter PL 2/2016 date 22 January 2016 provides further clarity in relation to signage that is exempt from requiring planning permission and this includes electronic display signage for primarily construction site or event related notices and traffic management/traffic sign arrangements.

It is recommended that the subject motion be amended to seek provision under Section 11.2.8 of the Draft Plan for Digital and Electronic Signage along major roads but only in circumstances where such signage relates to traffic management and safety only.

Recommendation

It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment to Section 11.2.8 as follows:

"The provision for Digital and Electronic Signage along major roads shall only be permitted in circumstances where such signage relates to traffic management and safety only.”