Grave concern in Laois over shortage of burial plots
Killeshin is one of the cemeteries in Laois that is nearly full, according to a local councillor
BURIAL space is running out in cemeteries throughout Laois, causing grave concern among local residents and councillors.
The shortage is so stark in some areas that one councillor declared they “will have to start cremating people and putting them all into one little hole soon”.
Camross, Portlaoise and Killeshin were among the cemeteries highlighted at a county council meeting, where members raised concern over the low number of burial plots available.
Cllr Ben Brennan said: “Killeshin cemetery is nearly full and we are in big trouble. We are going to have to start cremating people and putting them all into one little hole soon, if something isn’t done up there.”
The Independent councillor added: “There is a landowner nearby who may do business with the council but this needs immediate action.”
He was supported by Cllr Aisling Moran (Ind), who called for a columbarium wall to be installed in every cemetery across the county.
At the December monthly meeting of Laois County Council, Cllr Conor Bergin (FG) opened the debate by requesting funding for improvements to the cemetery in Camross. He said that “a major project” is needed in Camross, as “you can’t get a hearse at the moment into the end of the cemetery”.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley (SF) was concerned about St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery in Portlaoise, which she described as “nearly full to capacity”. She requested a report on cemeteries throughout the county.
Rathdowney councillor John King (FG) pointed out that his request for a columbarium wall in Bealady cemetery was rejected by council management, at the December meeting of Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District. Cllr King said that not everyone wanted to be buried in a grave, as he asked about the possibility of more columbarium walls for cremated remains in local cemeteries.
Director of Services Donal Brennan said the council tried to assess the need for cemetery space annually and the provision of columbarium walls was something the council may “have to look at in the future”.
He said: “We are constantly monitoring the situation with graveyards in the county, but any purchase of land has to fall within public procurement rules. As regards columbarium walls, to expand that service without being sure of the actual level of demand would be unwise.”
Dissatisfied with the response, Cllr Brennan said: “I do not accept this. This should have nothing to do with money. Everyone should be entitled to be buried in their own parish, not in a cemetery away from their loved ones.”
In an emotional plea, he said: “I want this sorted out. Please, I am asking you all to act on this immediately.”
Chief executive Michael Rainey said that a countywide review of all cemeteries would be brought to a future meeting, including a costing for columbarium walls.
Mr Rainey said: “That will give us a full picture of what needs to be done, rather than a case by case approach.”
When the request for a columbarium wall in Bealady cemetery was turned down at the Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District meeting, Mr Brennan said there was insufficient demand as only eight niches have been sold in Portlaoise since the columbarium wall was installed two years ago.
However, councillors argue that the need for columbarium walls is growing and the council should make provision for a likely increase in demand, as more and more people choose cremation rather than burial.
