FIANNA Fáil councillor Catherine Slattery has called on Limerick City and County Council to take urgent action to deal with the issue of graves water-logging at Mount St Oliver and Mount St Lawrence graveyards.
Speaking at this Monday’s Metropolitan District meeting, Cllr Slattery called for a new drainage system to be put in place and funds to be spent on both cemeteries.
“This matter is very upsetting for people visiting loved ones graves and needs to be addressed as soon as possible,” she said.
She was told that ground water level was a key criteria in the determination of whether land is suitable for use as a cemetery.
Director of Services for the Council’s Planning Section, Nuala Gallagher said that where flooding occurs, there is a work programme in place to mitigate or resolve the problem.
Ms Gallagher revealed that a surface water drainage programme commenced in Mount St Oliver Cemetery in 2021, where elevated ground water levels are experienced. It is intended to complete these works this year.
Cllr Slattery was also told that in the extension of Mount St Lawrence Cemetery elevated surface water levels are not an issue.
“With the increased footfall as a result of the public visiting the cemetery over the Christmas and New Year period, combined with inclement weather conditions, the pedestrian grass margin between the graves became worn underfoot. We will continue to monitor the ground conditions on an ongoing basis,” Ms Gallagher explained.
