Gorey retailers exploring possibility of using hi-tech digital billboards to showcase their wares

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Businesses in Gorey are embracing the future of advertising by exploring the potential of digital screens to showcase their wares.

Although not commonplace in Ireland yet, Councillor Nicky Boland said that many retailers in the Wexford town have expressed an interest in using the screens.

“What is the policy if a company wants to erect one of these screens on private property?” he asked at the October meeting of the Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District (GKMD).

“They’re very popular throughout Europe, they’re only coming to the Irish market now. Essentially, seven companies could advertise on them at the same time.”

The advertising displays are fitted with LCD panels, are operated remotely and can change from one image to the next depending on their sequencing.

In response to his query, Cllr Boland was informed that those interested in erecting the screens on private property would require full planning permission from Wexford County Council (WCC) and that they were not permitted at all on public property..

“Anyone who wishes to install one of these screens should attend a pre-planning meeting because there are certain restrictions and limitations on things like that,” advised a member of the council’s planning department.

Currently, there are nine digital billboards located throughout Dublin with the latest, updated Digi96 going live on Annesley Bridge last month.