Graveyards in Waterford falling into disrepair

The state of graveyards in Waterford was a topic of discussion at this week’s Dungarvan-Lismore electoral area meeting.

Councillors said that graveyards in the county are falling into disrepair and maintenance works are badly needed.

Cllr Niamh O’Donovan said she has been contacted by constituents who are concerned about graveyards being overgrown.

“The surface and walkways in some graveyards are very unsafe and we have a lot of older people using our graveyards” she said.

Cllr Kate O’Mahoney added that Whitechurch Graveyard, midway between Cappoquin and Dungarvan, needs particular attention.

“The current condition of the graveyard is not acceptable and not respectful for those buried there and their loved ones. Something needs to be done.” 

Meanwhile Cllr John Pratt said that Lismore Graveyard “really needs to be maintained better.” 

“People are very concerned about the disrepair” he added.

Sean Gormley, Executive Engineer in Waterford Council’s roads department, said that there is a “huge amount of resources needed to maintain” Lismore Graveyard.

He added that due to limited resources, the Council needs additional help from community groups to maintain and upkeep graveyards across the county.

(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)