Public meeting to address host of anti-social behaviour issues in Birr cemetery

A public meeting is due to take place with the date set to be announced to combat various issues in relation to the upkeep of Clonoghill cemetery in Birr.

The cemetery was maintained by a full-time caretaker until about five years ago but in recent years a number of problems have arisen including what campaigners say is a serious litter problem and overgrown grass on site.

Member of the Clonoghill clean up crew, Dickie Donnelly, said: “We have an ongoing litter problem which has never stopped. There is nowhere to put rubbish in the cemetery.”

A voluntary group regularly removes the litter from the graveyard which is approximately eight acres in size.

Mr Donnelly explained their concerns include lack of CCTV, dumping and the general upkeep of footpaths which are not accessible in some areas for elderly people in wheelchairs.

“There is only one camera in the graveyard which only points at one section and we don't know who manages it. We feel there needs to be more cameras.”

He also cited break-ins, stealing, anti-social behaviour, fireworks displays and helium balloons being left in the graveyard as other contentious matters.

The Clonoghill clean up group was set up four years ago to combat the issues of litter, overgrown grass and the general lack of upkeep to the graveyard. They are also proposing that a compost site be erected and believe that the stone cottage on site could be developed into a focal point.

A previous public meeting resulted in a contractor being introduced to cut the grass a couple of times a year.

The local action group feel that with the amount of money put into other projects in Birr, Clonoghill seems to be left behind.

“Local bog walks are being upgraded, river walks are about to be upgraded and plenty of positive funding and grants are being awarded across town yet Clonoghill seems to be forgotten. The cemetery should be the most well-kept area in the town.”

Mr Donnelly said: “We are expecting a huge turnout as it's gone on too long and the cemetery should be treated the same as every other historic building. We need some sort of authority group. On a recent visit to four graveyards in the county we spoke with caretakers and volunteers who as a combined unit are able to maintain their graveyard with great success. They all seem to have various working groups”.

The action group is inviting all local councillors and media to the public meeting at which it will give a proposal of what it wishes to see happen in the coming years.

The subjects to be discussed at the upcoming meeting include the litter problem, CCTV cameras, upgrade to walkways and the cottage on site, access to water, access for elderly people and the upkeep of the toilets.