There was a proposal to ban the planting of trees in graveyards around Laois at February’s Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District meeting on Thursday morning.
The proposed ban was brought about after Cllr James Kelly raised the problem that surrounded the entrance of the Holy Trinity Graveyard at Erkindale Drive, Durrow.
The entrance has been damaged by constant use and Cllr Kelly asked the Council to provide an alternative entrance to the graveyard.
Senior Engineer for Laois County Council, Orla Barrett confirmed that the Council were currently preparing a comprehensive report on the 27 local authority cemeteries.
Included in the report will be a schedule of the proposed works. Provision for a new entrance at the Durrow cemetery has been costed and will be included in the schedule of proposed works for consideration.
Cllr Brendan Phelan welcomed the report being carried out, but he called for an audit of all 27 graveyards, as he feels that there is damage being caused in the graveyards by the roots of trees.
Cllr Phelan then proposed that a ban should be placed on future planting of trees in graveyards.
Cllr John King also agreed with Cllr Phelan, adding that the level of trees was also affecting headstones on graves, with many of them being covered in green moss caused by the trees.
Meanwhile, Cllr Seamus McDonald raised the issue about the flooding outside the Rosenallis cemetery. Paul McLoughlin, Senior Engineer, confirmed that the Council will examine the drainage issue and provide a resolution.
Cllr James Kelly backed Cllr McDonald and claimed it is embarrassing for a graveyard to have to face such a problem. Cllr McDonald also added that there is now a growing fear of graves being flooded.
SEE ALSO – Night time dog fouling a ‘major problem’
