Posters for the local elections have been set on fire by vandals around Swords.
The incidents, which have been happening late at night, has seen a number of posters destroyed on the Murrough Rd, Brackenstown Rd, and Rathbeale Rd.
The vandalism does not seem to be targeted at any particular party with posters damaged across a range of candidates. Vandals are likely targeting posters closer to the ground that can be lit more easily.
Dublin Fire Brigade have been called out to a number of incidents of posters on fire in recent days.
Cllr Ian Carey said:
“I’m very sorry to see this dangerous vandalism happening in our community. Someone, likely the person committing the act, could be seriously hurt by melting plastic. It could also damage the light fixture and cost the council a considerable amount to repair.
“If you see someone vandalising a poster do not approach them. Contact the Gardaí immediately.
“I’m not a fan of posters. We need to really limit their use and provide better, more sustainable ways, of getting the message across to voters. They do however let everyone know an election is happening and that is an invaluable thing in a democracy.
“The Green Party got a motion passed at council to put the area forward to participate in a trial to better regulate poster use but unfortunately the proposals from the Department of Local Government have not come quickly enough for the local elections. Hopefully we will have a new approach ready for the General Election.
