Mattresses set on fire by 'yobs' near Laois cemetery

MATTRESSES were set on fire by ‘yobs’ in the latest episode of menacing behaviour on ground near a local cemetery and school.

The site beside St Fintan's Cemetery in Mountrath, near the community school, was described as “a shelter for anti-social behaviour” at a council meeting this week.

Cllr James Kelly said that rampant dumping, vandalism and rowdy gatherings are causing severe disruption for residents living near the site, which he has repeatedly asked to be converted into a much-needed car park.

“There were mattresses set on fire there last week. People living around there aren’t getting any peace at all,” Cllr Kelly told the March meeting of Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District.

Cllr Kelly said the trouble is caused by “a few yobs in the town” who are causing “a lot of angst”, particularly at the county council-owned site that has become a haven for anti-social behaviour and dumping.

The Independent councillor said: “There is no regard for the neighbourhood there and there is no regard for the law of the land.” 

His comments came after he sought an update on his previous proposal for the development of a public car park at the site in Dysartbeagh, where more spaces are particularly needed during funerals at the cemetery.

In a written reply, senior executive officer Georgina Ireland from Laois County Council’s community department said the installation of a car park would depend on funding.

She added: ‘There is currently no provision in the Indicative Capital Budget 2025-2027 to fund such a development. However, all funding opportunities will be explored in this regard as they arise in the interim.’ 

Cllr Kelly said he was very disappointed with the response, as it was known for the past three years that the site could be handed over by the council for use as a public car park. An application was made for funding last year but unfortunately it didn’t come through.

Cllr Kelly pointed out that a council litter warden had to visit the site twice recently due to illegal dumping and something must be done as soon as possible.

The Mountrath councillor requested a meeting on site with the district engineer, to assess the issues. If funding were not available this year, the council could still cut overgrown trees and greenery and tidy up the site, opening it up so as to discourage dumping and anti-social behaviour. It could also be used as an overflow parking area.

He was supported by Mountmellick councillor Cllr Paddy Bracken, who said he was familiar with the site.

Cllr Bracken commented: “Surely we can go in and clean it up and put down a temporary surface. It could eliminate this anti-social behaviour. It doesn't have to be state-of-the-art, just cleaned up and surfaced for the time being.” 

A council official said a meeting on site would be arranged with Cllr Kelly, to assess the issues involved and come up with possible interim solutions.