Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 75:

In page 58, line 11, after "2023," to insert the following: "where it is on a structure which has been designated by the local authority for such advertisements (in this subparagraph referred to as a 'designated structure'). For the purposes of this subparagraph, the Minister shall make regulations to provide for—

(I) a method for the calculation of the number of designated structures to be permitted in each polling district,

(II) the minimum and maximum dimension of designated structures,

(III) the minimum and maximum dimension of advertisements,

(IV) a method for the calculation of the maximum number of advertisements allowed in respect of each candidate, or proposal which is the subject of the referendum, on each designated structure,

(V) the permissible locations for designated structures, and

(VI) for such other matters that are necessary or consequential to any of the matters referred to in clauses (I) to (V),”.

The amendment intends to see the campaign for a directly elected mayor in Limerick next year as an opportunity for a new approach to how we run elections in this country. Every elected Member in this room knows very well how we go about it. We print posters and put them up all over our constituencies. We try to get the best locations. That is a part of the electoral process in Ireland. However, there is enormous wastage associated with that, as the Minister of State will agree. The amendment providers for the designation of areas in constituencies in the Limerick city and county areas, as would be the case for the directly elected mayoral election, for candidates' posters so that we have a neater, cleaner, tidier and more environmentally friendly campaign. Suggestions along these lines have been made over the years. It would be a move in respect of how elections are conducted in European countries. It is appropriate that we would look to make such changes. The election of a mayor in Limerick is an opportunity to try something such as this. It is positive.