Fears a person could die on way to visit loved one’s grave in Limerick

FEARS have been expressed that somebody could be killed on the way to visit a loved one’s grave in County Limerick.

Cllr Mike Donegan said the location where vehicles and hearses park at Athenacey cemetery in Elton has been “completely blocked off” due to the planting of hedges and trees.

The councillor told a meeting of the Cappamore-Kilmallock municipal district that the area is “private property” but it has been used by people visiting the cemetery going back to the time of horses and carts.

“It is completely impossible to pull in a car or hearse now. A lot of elderly people visit their loved ones in Athenacey. It is on a very busy road (R515 Kilmallock to Knocklong Road).

“People would be taking their life into their hands to walk from Elton to the cemetery with big agricultural machinery and trucks on the road. There are no footpaths.

“If somebody pulled into the graveyard without knowing they would have to reverse back out on the road,” said Cllr Donegan, who fears there could be a “bad accident”.

The Fianna Fail councillor put down a motion calling the council to compulsorily purchase land that is near the graveyard with a view to constructing a suitable parking area.

In response, the council said they are aware of the concerns of both elected members and the public regarding parking at Athenacey cemetery.

“To this end, the council will investigate options to facilitate parking at the cemetery and will revert on the matter in due course,” read the reply.

The motion was seconded by Cllr PJ Carey.

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Cathaoirleach John Egan queried if there was a legal right of way if people have been using it for hundreds of years.

“It is vital for family and loved ones,” said Cllr Egan.

Cllr Eddie Ryan said the council's legal team should be “looking into this”.

“I don't believe you can close access since the 1700s - it doesn't sound right. It should go back to the way it was,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Ger Mitchell suggested a “diplomatic solution”.

“It is a very sensitive matter. It should be resolved as quickly as possible. Trees were planted very recently where cars parked.
“People want to visit that cemetery on a regular basis.

"It is a serious danger walking on that road,” said Cllr Mitchell, who informed the municipal district meeting he had spoken to the landowner.

“There is a problem with anti-social behaviour at night,” said Cllr Mitchell. Cllr Egan said trees are “not going to stop anti-social behaviour”.

Cllr Donegan said the landowner has no problem with pedestrian access. Cllr Donegan reiterated his concern was a “fatality or bad accident” involving a person walking on the busy R515 to visit a loved one's grave.

Cllr Brigid Teefy said people would be “taking their lives in their hands” walking to the cemetery on that road.

“It is so tight and the vehicles go so fast. It is a huge issue of concern. The emails we have gotten are very moving. Graves are very important,” said Cllr Teefy.

The meeting heard that due to an alternative commitment, staff from the burial grounds department were not available to attend on that day but will be able to attend a future meeting.

All the elected members requested additional clarification from the burial grounds section, and acknowledged that both sides of the story were important. They all supported that a diplomatic solution be reached