Upgrades at Laois cemetery to be completed in 2026

LONG-AWAITED improvements to a Laois cemetery, where hearses have difficulty gaining access at funerals, are set to be completed next year.

Contracts are being finalised for upgrade works at St Fergal’s Cemetery in Camross, with completion expected in 2026.

The renovations will see a new set of gates and a wider entrance to the cemetery, which is notoriously narrow for hearses and other vehicles.

Laois Co Council is in the process of acquiring a small portion of land from adjacent landowners, in order to widen the entrance.

The good news was given at the June meeting of Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District in reply to cllr Conor Bergin, who has repeatedly asked for essential improvements at the cemetery, particularly installation of new gates and widening of the existing entrance to allow hearses and cars to access the graveyard easily.

In a written reply, a council official said: ‘The works to widen the existing entrance at Camross Cemetery have been scoped. They will involve the acquisition of a small portion of land from adjacent landowners.

‘Contracts are currently being finalised in this regard. Subject to budgetary constraints, works will be programmed over the coming months, with completion expected in 2026.’ 

Describing the response as “great news”, cllr Bergin explained that the existing narrow entrance is shared with another property and undertakers say it is very difficult to drive a hearse into the cemetery.

He said: “I’d ask that there be communication with the landowners there, because they haven’t heard anything from the council.” 

Cllr James Kelly said he was delighted that there was agreement on all sides, adding: “It’s very important and the community wants this to happen. It will make a big difference.” 

Also welcoming the response, cllr John King commented that cllr Bergin had been “plucking away” at the problem for more than two years. He said: “It’s a long process but, when there’s an ending to it, it’s very worthwhile.”