Lack of space means no loo for Abbeyleix cemetery

IF TOILET facilities are good enough for cemetery-goers in Portlaoise, they’re good enough for other cemetery-goers around the county.

That, in essence, is what cllr Barry Walsh said after his request for the provision of public toilets at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Abbeyleix was shot down.

In a written reply to his request at the October meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, executive engineer Ken Morley said the provision of public toilets in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery “must be considered in conjunction with other or similar cemeteries throughout the county, of which there are more than 20.

“The provision of burial capacity at each of these cemeteries is a priority for Laois County Council and all available ground and resources should be utilised for this purpose. Any requirement to provide public toilet facilities in cemeteries would have a negative impact in this regard.” 

Cllr Walsh said: “I’m not really happy with that answer, to be honest. Portlaoise has toilets, why can’t we? A lot of people spend a lot of time in graveyards reflecting and visiting their loved ones. Saint Patrick’s is quite a well-used cemetery, there’s always somebody in it maintaining their family graves. I’m a bit disappointed with the answer.” 

Cllr John Joe Fennelly said: “The answer is a bit negative. I think we should always be looking at ways of providing a service like this. We should always be open to see what is possible. I understand there’s pressure for grave spaces as well, but on the top right-hand corner of the graveyard closest to the Ballyroan side there’s plenty of space that we could look at.”