Political parties and independent candidates could be facing hefty fines in the coming days for their failure to take down election posters.

Under a law introduced in 1997, candidates must remove posters within seven days of an election.

However, a significant number of posters are still attached to lamp-posts across the country, 11 days after the local and European elections.

Candidates will typically face a fine of €150, but some local authorities impose fines of up to €20 per poster to cover the cost of disposal.