LIMERICK county councillors have expressed grave concern over the condition of Kildimo Cemetery in the wake of severe weather conditions.
Speaking at this month’s Adare Electoral Committee meeting at County Hall, Cllr Pat Fitzgerald (Ind) described the “havoc” created by storms and rainfall of biblical proportions in the last number of weeks at the County Limerick graveyard.
Heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in the cemetery and adjoining fields over recent months, with some graves under water for weeks. The graveyard then suffered further damage when trees collapsed on the burial ground during Storm Darwin last month.
Cllr Fitzgerald has called for immediate action from Limerick County Council to alleviate the flooding.
“The cemetery has caused serious problems for the people of Kildimo and something needs to be done. The local community and the owner of the the field next to the graveyard have expressed a willingness to help,” said Cllr Fitzgerald.
“The recent storms and flooding have created havoc and people are very upset,” he added.
Cllr Fitzgerald has now called for a meeting between the local community and the Council to address the issues.
Cllr Rose Brennan (FG) reiterated Cllr Fitzgerald’s comments saying, “I’ve seen the devastation with my own eyes.”
Area engineer Finbarr Keyes told councillors that it was important not to overreact.
“The graveyard has not flooded in the past. Met Eireann have told us that this was the wettest winter on record,” said Mr Keyes.
He went on to tell councillors that a meeting could be set up between the Council and a delegation from the local community and that fallen trees at the graveyard would be removed within the next week.
