New and historic graves crushed by falling tree in Limerick cemetery
Huge tree falls during storm in Tankardstown Graveyard, Kilmallock
LIMERICK City and County Council staff are to meet with families whose headstones were flattened by a falling tree in Tankardstown Graveyard in Kilmallock.
Local councillor, PJ Carey, said a big y-shaped tree in the middle of the cemetery had fallen during the storm two weeks ago and damaged a number of headstones.
“There were new and ancient graves,” said Cllr Carey, who added that it has been very upsetting for the families concerned. The Sinn Fein councillor raised the matter with Darragh Corcoran, A/Senior Executive Engineer, Cappamore-Kilmallock, and Brian Henry, Senior Executive Technician, Cemeteries Operations.
“I asked for a tree surgeon contractor to be contacted for immediate works to clear the tree and assess the damage caused. The council, who l believe to be responsible, own the land and must safely maintain the trees on the ground.
“I would hope the council will cover the costs of the damaged headstones, replace them and work with the affected families, seeing that the tree was visibly diseased,” said Cllr Carey, who thanked Mr Corcoran, Mr Henry and council staff for their quick response.
“They had both the fallen section of the tree and the remaining part of the tree cleared on Saturday morning, only 48 hours after it,” said Cllr Carey.
A council spokesperson said on Tuesday, September 29, high winds were experienced, during which a tree fell in Tankardstown Graveyard causing damage to surrounding graves.
“Tree surgery works were completed on Saturday, October 3.
“It is the intention to meet with the families concerned, assess the damage to their graves with the intention of coming to a positive outcome,” said the council spokesperson.