LIMERICK City and County Council says it will now consider installing water taps in all of the graveyards under its jurisdiction, subject to availability of resources.
Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Kevin Sheahan had called on the local authority to introduce a programme which would provide water supplies to burial grounds which do not already have a supply. He said it was a “sorry sight” to see elderly people dragging plastic containers into graveyards.
“It would be appropriate to have a tap in every graveyard,” he said.
Fianna Fail’s Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon then asked if there would be a water meter on the taps.
While Fine Gael councillor John Sheahan pointed out that in the context of the water charges, the taps would need special fittings so as to only release a certain amount of water.
Independent councillor for City North, John Gilligan, also suggested that Council should listen to the cemetery superintendents on issues relating to burial grounds.
“What are cemetery superintendents?” asked Cllr Kevin Sheahan.
“We don’t have those out the county,” he added.
Labour councillor Elena Secas also suggested that closed circuit television cameras be installed where possible in cemeteries.
Director of services Kieran Lehane said that security cameras were being considered for Mount St Lawrence Cemetery, with an estimated 70,000 people buried throughout the 18-acre site, as part of ongoing conservation works.
Mr Lehane said he had visited numerous burial grounds and was “amazed by the care shown” by the caretakers and voluntary workers.
“It’s very impressive,” he commented.
