Anger over graveyard proposal

A NORTHSIDE priest said he would fear for the health and safety of his parishioners if Fingal County Council goes ahead with plans to close vehicular access to a local cemetery.

Fr Liam McClarey highlighted his concerns in relation to Mulhuddart Graveyard, which the council wants to close to cars on Sundays, the busiest day for visiting.

The council recently made changes to vehicular access but was forced into a rethink following a furious backlash from the local community.

Speaking to Northside People, Fr Liam expressed his opposition to the plan, which he said would

“add to the grief

? of already grieving families.

“There is a feeling of great anger in the community following the council’s proposal and attempt to bring in the changes without any consultation with parishioners,

? he said.

“There’s no doubt that the plan would make visiting the graveyard much more awkward.

“Given the age profile of our parish and how there are many young babies and children in the graveyard, it will only add to the grief of parents.

“We would also have many families within our community who have family members who are disabled or wheelchair bound.

“I’m certain that the council didn’t take into account how wheelchair users are expected to visit the graveyard which would be impossible when the vehicular gates are closed.

“Are older people expected to walk great distances to visit the grave of their loved one, which will undoubtedly be more difficult in the cold and wet weather?

?

Fr Liam highlighted another serious risk he believed could arise if the gates were closed.

“A parishioner who was visiting the graveyard suffered a heart attack and died in the cemetery two years ago,

? he said.

“God forbid if something like that happens again. How would the emergency services access the graveyard?

?

Local TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) said he was opposed to restricting vehicular access to the graveyard.

“There is sport played on pitches near the graveyard so parking outside is not a feasible option,

? he stated.

“Also we must take account of important family occasions like Mothers’ or Fathers’ Day which fall on a Sunday

?.

“For many families Sunday is the only day they can visit a grave due to work and other commitments and with young children a car is essential.

“Also there is a question of disabled access to the graveyard.

“A solution will have to be found by council management because on any equality grounds you care to mention this is a step too far

?.

Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG), who is chairman of Fingal County Council’s local area committee, asked the council to defer the decision so consultation on the issue can take place.

“I am aware that there are no funerals on Sundays and that many other cemeteries, such as Glasnevin are closed to traffic on that day,

? Cllr Dennison stated.

“Nevertheless, Sunday is when most people visit the graves of their loved ones and I think it’s important that access be allowed.

?

According to Fingal County Council, the proposed restriction to vehicular access is designed to tackle anti-social behaviour in the graveyard and the vandalism of headstones.

“Twenty-four hour pedestrian access to the cemetery would be maintained,

? a spokesman said.

“This proposal has been deferred pending consultation and discussion with the elected representatives.

“Other burial grounds in Fingal are not open to vehicular access on non-burial days (ie Sundays), and this has not proven to be an issue in these locations.

?