Hearses and cars have been unable to access a Laois graveyard, Laois County Council has heard.

Fine Gael Councillor Conor Bergin has tabled a motion for the widening of the existing entryway to St Fergal's cemetery in Camross, to allow cars and hearses access to the graveyard. 

The Borris-in-Ossory Cllr has been fighting for these works for almost two years. It is the second time in 2025 that the Cllr has brought this issue to the attention of the Council.

"I have outlined these issues before, the existing entrance to the cemetery is too narrow, it's an old entrance and there is a new house built adjacent to it, with a shared roadway," Cllr Bergin said.

"Not only can the owners not get in to the adjacent house, but hearses struggle, and under health and safety it is very difficult for people with cars trying to get in.

Pictured: the narrow entryway that leads to St Fergal's cemetery in Camross. Photo: Google Maps

"It's a very busy cemetery and it is difficult to get in. Not only will the entrance need to be widened, but also perhaps a new set of gates too.

"I know in fairness, Ken Morley and John Quigley were out there a couple of times, and they have priced all of this up and it was all ready to go. It just needs the approval from the highers-up here in the Council," Cllr Bergin said.

Laois County Council's Community and Environment Department replied that contracts are currently being finalised to undertake these works.

"As has already been advised, the works to widen the existing entrance at Camross Cemetery have been scoped," the Department replied.

"They will involve the acquisition of a small portion of land from adjacent landowners. Contracts are currently being finalised in this regard. Subject to budgetary constraints, works will be programmed over the coming months, with completion expected in 2026."

Cllr Bergin welcomed this reply as 'great news', and thanked the Council for the reply.

"I have had this notice of motion in before on a number of occasions, but that's the most definite answer I have got back so far, so thanks for that," Cllr Bergin said.

"Can I ask, could there be communication with the landowners there, it's my understanding that they haven't heard anything in a long time. It would be great to keep that communication going and give them that date of 2026. I will hold you to that, thank you," he said.

Mountrath Independent Cllr James Kelly seconded Cllr Bergin's motion, giving his full support.

"I fully support Cllr Bergin, I know he has had multiple notices of motion in on this before and it is very important," Cllr Kelly said.

"The community want this to happen and I am delighted that from what the reply has been, contracts are being finalised so there is agreement. It will make a huge difference there, it is a very busy village," he said.

Fine Gael Cllr John King also supported this motion, hailing the Council's reply as the start to a 'worthwhile ending'.

"I also support this notice of motion, Cllr Bergin has been looking for this for a long, long time, it has been two and a half years. It's a long process, but it's a great one where it has a worthwhile ending. It's badly needed, so it's great to see it going ahead," Cllr King said.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus McDonald also gave his support.

"I also support this notice of motion. The late Seán Bergin was always looking for it, and now his wishes are going to be fulfilled," Cllr McDonald said.

This motion was tabled at the June sitting of Laois County Council's Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District.

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