Violent clashes prompt council to install CCTV at graveyard

A local authority is considering installing CCTV cameras to overlook holy ground due to a number of violent clashes in a graveyard.

In recent years, Drumcliffe graveyard on the outskirts of Ennis, Co Clare, has become a flashpoint between feuding Traveller families.

One man lost a finger in a violent incident while, in March 2012, in a separate incident, two cousins turned up to a funeral there armed with machetes and wearing bullet-proof vests.

Imposing suspended jail terms on cousins involved in a Traveller feud, Judge Carroll Moran said at Ennis Circuit Court last year that “the presence of the gardaí at the graveyard avoided the situation getting out of hand and people suffering catastrophic injuries”.

Now, Clare County Council has decided to act. The local authority confirmed that it “is examining the feasibility of the temporary installation of CCTV at specific locations in the vicinity of Drumcliffe burial ground”.

The council said CCTV is necessary to combat ongoing issues of antisocial behaviour, theft from vehicles in the car park, and illegal dumping.

At the February meeting of Ennis Town Council, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said: “It is a very sad day when a local authority feels that it has to install CCTV cameras at a graveyard which should be a place of quiet contemplation where you go to pay your respects.”

Calling for the CCTV system to be installed, Ms Howard said that as recently as Christmas Day, when she was visiting the graves of family members, she felt intimidated by others at the graveyard.

“I felt I needed to leave the graveyard as things could have changed very quickly. The graveyard is a very emotional place to be where you are missing your family and I believe that the CCTV has to be installed to deter others from engaging in intimidation or violent disorder.”

Cllr Brian Meaney (FF) also supported the move. “It is required as a matter or urgency,” he said.

“It is a terrible thing to have to admit, but the graveyard has become a flashpoint for feuding Travellers. It should be a place of reverence and respect, but there have been incidents at the graveyard where we have seen very little of that.”

The cost of the CCTV system could amount to €100,000 based on previous outlays on CCTV by the council at Traveller accommodation sites.

However, Mr Meaney asked: “What price can you put on the public feeling safe and secure visiting the graves of their loved ones? It is very regrettable that the council is considering this, but the people attending graveyards are vulnerable and are easy targets.”