Gardaí make security recommendations following desecration of Portlaoise graves

Laois Gardaí have put together a list of security recommendations at St Peter & Paul's cemetery in Portlaoise, to prevent a repeat of the shocking recent vandalism of multiple graves.

CCTV cameras, lighting, landscaping changes and improvement of the boundary are recommended for the large cemetery, maintained by Laois County Council.

It comes three weeks after multiple graves were smashed overnight on February 2, in what is suspected to be a random act of vandalism.

Portlaoise Municipal District councillors got an update from Laois County Council Director Simon Walton at their monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 21. Cemetery chairperson Tommy Timmons also attended the meeting.

Mr Walton said that the Gardaí say the report is "a confidential document", with an investigation ongoing.

"There has been no discussion yet between the council and Gardaí about the report.

"However its recommendations, on the boundary, the public lighting, CCTV are all in the public arena already," Mr Walton said.

He said that Laois County Council senior management will meet the Gardaí privately to discuss it. 

Following that will be a meeting with all concerned, including families who own plots, neighbours to the cemetery, and the cemetery committee. It will take place on the week of March 4.

"There are specific recommendations regarding the boundary, and others about lighting in unidentified areas. The cemetery is 11 acres, and the question of CCTV adds to the complexities. To engage properly with the Gardaí, it's reasonable that we all ow a week at least for the council to meet the Gardaí first," he said.

Portlaoise councillors described the impact that the vandalism has had.

"It saddened and shocked people. The Gardaí did say it is very rare that something like this would happen. But in the past two years there have been other incidents. Pots were stolen from graves, cars drove over graves, one family coming out was hijacked. There's not a doubt but we need to put some measures in place so people are safe," said Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley.

"The first is public lighting. We spoke before about CCTV, now it looks like there will be a joint effort between the council and the Gardaí. There are things that can be done quickly. We're trying to allay fears and concerns of families. I acknowledge the great work that Tommy and the committee do, they spent two days that weekend in the cemetery engaging with people," she said.

She along with Cllrs Willie Aird, Marie Tuohy and Catherine Fitzgerald are also on the cemetery committee. 

"We nearly know what's needed from a security point of view. I believe the graveyard is a very secure place. A lot of people are still visiting. I think it's a safe place to go. It was a very nasty thing to stoop so low on this incident. It's up to us to ensure swift action so it doesn't happen again," Cllr Aird said.

He said there should be council money available from the sale of grave plots.

"A lot of money is paid by people in Portlaoise. A small grave is €1,000. If the volunteer committee wasn't there I don't know what you would do. There are two Fás workers and the rest volunteers for 11 acres. There has to be money in the kitty. Yet I know we'll hear there is no finances for it. We're three years waiting for the gate to be fixed," he said.

Cllr Marie Touhy noted that the committee volunteers do the job of closing the gate each day.

"It's often late in the evening, and they make a sweep, to let people know it's closing. It was such a hurtful thing to do. It has galvanised the community and we know action will come that will be for the good and allay fear and hurt," Cllr Tuohy said.

Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, Cathaoirleach, said the meeting must happen as soon as possible, and it should include residents around the cemetery and family of people buried near where works will take place.

The press will also be invited to report on the next meeting, which will be a Special meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.