Politicians, gardai and community leaders came together last night to address the recent vandalism of graves at Portlaoise Cemetery.
In a seemingly random attack, at least seven headstones were badly damaged at St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery.
It is estimated that this will cost thousands of Euro to repair while several other places of rest were also vandalised.
Gardai have confirmed they are investigating the matter and six of them, including Superintendent Eamon Curley and Community Policing Sergeant Jason Hughes, attended the meeting.
Local Councillors, Catherine Fitzgerald, Marie Tuohy, Carloline Dwane-Stanley and Thomasina Connell, were also present along with members of the cemetery committee.
Cllr Connell said: “I was very pleased with the strong Garda response to this crime and the attendance of six members of An Garda Siochana to include Superintendent Eamon Curley and Community Policing Sergeant Jason Hughes at the meeting.
“Superintendent Curley remarked that the vandalism of graves in a cemetery was a particularly nasty crime, although uncommon.
“He advised that Gardai from the Crime Scene Unit had attended, and forensics would be analysed in due course in an effort to find the suspect for this shocking crime.
“Members of the Cemetery Committee had an opportunity to express their dismay at the vandalism at the cemetery and were satisfied with the Garda response.
“I was reassured with the Gardai’s efforts and response to this crime and also that the Crime Prevention Officer Garda Graham Kavanagh will provide a comprehensive report as to what needs to be done in order to prevent this kind of crime in the future.”
Cllr Connell outlined some of the steps which can be taken.
She said: “Additional lighting and CCTV in the cemetery will act as deterrents to any person who thinks that they can enter into our graveyard, commit crime like this and get away with it.
“It is hugely upsetting for the families of loved ones whose graves were attacked in this way and has left other families anxious that their grave could be next.
“Laois County Council is fully behind supporting whatever measures are required to make our cemetery safe.
“Gardai gave an unequivocal commitment that they would provide extra resources to ensure Gardai undertake additional patrols in the cemetery in order to prevent further vandalism and anti-social behaviour that has taken place.
“I am keen to see someone brought to justice for this horrific crime which has affected so many people in our community and am confident that the Gardai are making this investigation an absolute priority.”
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