Foot and a half drop off 'treacherous' graveyard footpaths in Laois town
Laois County Council is urged to repair paths in Abbeyleix church graveyard
The footpaths in a graveyard next to an Abbeyleix church are “absolutely treacherous” according to Cllr John Joe Fennelly.
He is calling on Laois County Council to include the graveyard at the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, in their 2024 footpath programme.
“It is an old graveyard at the back of the church. The footpaths are in very poor condition. There is a drop of maybe a foot to a foot and a half,” Cllr Fennelly said.
He tabled a motion to the December meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District asking for the inclusion.
He said that the first part of the graveyard is the responsibility of the parish, the second the council.
The paths will now be inspected.
Cllr Barry Walsh had seconded the motion.
“There is a number of older graveyards that need funding as well. There doesn't appear to be enough of a budget,” he said.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said that even if graveyards are not under council responsibility, they should be repaired by them.
"I asked and was told if it's not owned by the council it's not going to be carried out. I think they should do so. I understand that weeds have to be removed professionally there. The Heath has issues too, it is unsafe for loved ones to visit. We need to look at our policy," she said.