Families should be allowed kerbing on graves to aid maintenance, West Cork councillor says

A West Cork councillor says kerbing would help grieving families maintain plots as the council reviews graveyard policy

Councillor calls for a detailed maintenance programme to be put in place for all burial grounds in West Cork. File picture

Families of the deceased should be allowed to install kerbing around grave plots to help maintain them, according to independent councillor Finbarr Harrington.

Mr Harrington raised the issue in a motion at a recent meeting of Cork County Council’s West Cork Municipal District, which asked: “That this council would allow kerbing surrounds on all graves at Gortnabuilliga graveyard in Eyeries, Beara.

"That we ensure a detailed maintenance programme is put in place for all our burial grounds in West Cork and that we would consider allowing community groups to assist if they are interested.” 

Responding on behalf of the council, area engineer Aidan Prendergast said: “The burial ground extension at Gortnabulliga is classed as a lawn cemetery and plots are sold on the basis that all purchasers sign an agreement to that effect.

"Some of the plots now have timber surrounds, loose stone surrounds etc, and Cork County Council shall engage with those who have purchased plots to ensure that the rules of the burial ground are respected.

“All areas carry out burial ground maintenance, which has been outlined in the Municipal Districts Town Enhancement Plans. In some burial grounds, community groups, with assistance from Fás and community employment workers, have in the past carried out maintenance, however, a West Cork-wide and by extension a county-wide policy will require careful consideration.” 

Mr Harrington said a “lawn-type” cemetery requires maintenance every two weeks, and in reality the council had something “more like a meadow” because funds were not available to cut the grass as often as necessary.

Municipal District manager Nicola Radley said a county-wide review of graveyard policies was under way and she would revert to members with the findings when the review was complete.

This article is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme