COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 12, 2022

QUESTION NO. 21

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the Chief Executive for a report into Electronic Signs in our villages as ABP has ruled that such signs need planning approval. Report to include SDCC policy on this and to confirm the criteria for planning permission. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/election-candidates-warned-over-electronic-road-signs-1.2521118

REPLY:

The subject of this question relates specifically to Electronic Sings and a recent media article around the appropriateness, or otherwise, of  such signage as a means of electioneering  and the promotion of candidates using electronic signs similar to those used for traffic alerts for political purposes. 

Election / Referendum / Public Meeting posters are governed by a suite of relevant legislation including:

  1. Litter Pollution Act 1997, amended by the Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2009
  2. Protection of the Environment Act 2003
  3. Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2013
  4. European Parliament Elections Act 1997
  5. Local Elections Regulations 1995
  6. Referendum Act 1994
  7. Electoral Act 1992
  8. Road Traffic Act 1961

Similarly, general land use, planning and transport operations of Local Authorities are governed by a suite of legislation and regulation through the Planning & Developement Acts and Regulations,the Roads Act 1993 and Road Traffic Acts and Road Regulations.  These cover matters including but not limited to exemptions and authorising of advertising material (on both private and public property), traffic management and road safety, including dangerous structures and hazards.

Accordingly, all election signage, whether by traditional (postering) or Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) must accord to the relevant legislation and regulation, and the Council is mandated through these statutes to take appropriate action to ensure compliance. 

In summary in relation to advertising: 

Permanent advertising signs on public roads require a licence under section 254 of the Planning Act 2000 while advertising structures on private lands generally require planning permission, irrespective of whether it is visible from a public place or not. 

The Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 exempts certain types of temporary advertisements as long as they: