The County’s cemeteries took centre stage this week at the April meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District.
Independent Cllr James Kelly raised the issue, calling for Laois County Council to “increase the Grant for Cemetery Maintenance or secure funding from Irish Public Bodies.”
Mr Ken Morley, Senior Engineer Engineer for Community said: “the annual budget for cemetery maintenance grants is determined by the elected members as part of the normal budgetary process.
“The budget for 2024 provides additional funding of €11,500 when compared to the 2023 budget.
“The intention behind the additional funding was to have a second call later in the year for “one- off” exceptional needs in particular cemeteries and that the funding would be allocated on a priority of needs basis.”
Cllr Kelly thanked those who volunteer at cemeteries across Laois and also praised Laois County Council for the “great work” done across these cemeteries.
However, Cllr Kelly said much more is needed as the demand on volunteers and the Council’s outdoor staff is increasing exponentially.
There was plenty of support from his fellow councillors, including Cllr Ollie Clooney, who called for supports to be provided for cemeteries not currently under the Council umbrella.
There was further support from Cllr Paddy Bracken, who reminded the Council about how expensive it has become to maintain cemeteries, siting rising costs in fuel and insurance.
Cllr Bracken sited the work of local committees but said they are struggling to raise the funds required – as well as struggling to attract new, younger members.
Cllr Kelly followed this motion by calling for the installation of “traffic calming measures and road safety signs on the R440 Roundwood to Killanure Road.”
Mr James Dowling, Senior Executive Engineer for Roads said Municipal District staff will “investigate suitable road safety interventions to be installed” on the road.
Finally, Cllr Kelly also called on the County Council, in line with the Mountrath Street Enhancement Scheme, “to upgrade and paint the public library” on Shannon Street, Mountrath.
Ms Denise Rainey, Assistant Senior Executive Engineer for Town Regeneration said:
“The Town Regeneration Officer has liaised with the County Librarian and the Library Building in Mountrath will be painted in April, the definite date to be decided in accordance with weather forecasts.”
