asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that ESB employees kept tearing down from ESB poles posters of the political parties during the recent election campaign; if he is satisfied that the danger to the public was sufficient to warrant this action; and if he will make a statement clarifying the rights of the ESB in the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Removal of Posters.
51.
I understand that the ESB appeal in writing to all political parties at election time to refrain from affixing election literature and posters to their poles or property. They did so on this occasion in letters dated 28th May, 1969.
The board's standing instruction is that everything affixed to their property without permission is to be removed immediately. This instruction is reiterated on the occasion of each election.
The board are satisfied that considerations of safety in relation to their own staff and the public is sufficient in itself to warrant this.
The poles and other structures are the property of the board and the action taken is fully within their rights. In view of the Deputy's Question, however, I am examining the whole matter and it is one that I am taking up with the board.
Does the Minister agree that it appears silly to be pulling down posters every day in the areas just outside the city, but where the corporation own the network there were no posters pulled down? This involves the political parties in ridiculous and unnecessary expenditure and fills the streets with litter.
This is a matter with which I have complete sympathy and one that I am taking up in very active form with the board of the ESB. In fact, I have had the same experience myself.