Couples conjugating at historic Limerick cemetery

COUPLES haven’t been visiting a historic cemetery just to pay their respects, the Limerick Leader has learned.

The normally peaceful Athenacey cemetery in Elton made the headlines last month after fears were expressed at a council meeting that somebody could be killed on the way to visit a loved one’s grave.

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

“People would be taking their lives into their hands to walk from Elton to the cemetery with big agricultural machinery and trucks on the road. There are no footpaths,” said Cllr Donegan.

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. The meeting heard that there had been antisocial behaviour at the graveyard but this wasn’t expanded upon further.

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.

Athenacey cemetery was back on the agenda at the most recent Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District meeting.

The meeting heard that “ unsavoury items” have had to be picked up off the ground”.

In Pictures: New tourist office opens in Limerick town

The Leader has subsequently learned that these “unsavoury items” were used condoms and that conjugating couples had been using the parking area of the cemetery.

Council staff from the burial grounds section gave elected members an update on the situation.

They said there was no right of way or easement registered; they met with the landowners who have no objection to a hearse parking there and nor do they intend to.

“It was fenced off with hedges and trees to protect their legal right,” said a burial ground staff member.

The seven councillors were in agreement that a solution had to be sought that protected the rights of the land owner, as well as allowing access for people to safely visit their loved ones' graves. It was unanimously agreed that a mediator be appointed.

Outgoing cathaoirleach John Egan said: “It has to be rectified without antagonising anyone.”

Cllr Martin Ryan said the landowners are anxious to get a solution for the community.

Cllr Eddie Ryan suggested a pull-in point on the road for three or four cars. “There have only been five funerals since 2017.

The usage is very low, said Cllr Eddie Ryan. Cllr Donegan expanded upon his original motion calling on the council to CPO land that is near the graveyard with a view to constructing a suitable parking area. To avoid confusion, he said it was for the CPO of land on the Elton side of the cemetery, and called for an extension of the speed limit.

“My concern is if there is an accident God forbid,” said Cllr Donegan.