Concern for threat to future of Laois grave digging tradition

The search for a new Laois cemetery worker whose job description includes using a digger, raised concerns of a threat to a long held tradition of digging graves by the public.

A Portlaoise councillor has questioned the responsibilities of a role that Laois County Council recently advertised.

They sought to hire a Cemetery Ground Community Caretaker.

The person would have to "operate light and heavy equipment including riding mower, trench digger" and also "assist in preparing for burial services – Excavate graves, replace soil, and regrade area to return landscape to original condition".

The job includes enforcing cemetery bye laws, with any issues to be reported to the council. That includes preventing any person digging graves or putting up headstones or monuments without the written permission of the council.

Cllr Willie Aird was alarmed, speaking at the January meeting of Laois County Council.

"In Portlaoise it's really no longer a lawn cemetery. What you have to do is give a sketch to this new person. That's a huge fundamental change. He or she is responsible for collecting fees for grave spaces. You can't buy a plot if you want like years ago. You only get a plot on the day you die. 

"This person will be responsible for grounds and to operate heavy equipment and a trench digger. There is a scheme where locals in the community dig graves. Is all that going to be dismantled?" he had asked. 

The Director of Services  for cemeteries, Donal Brennan told him that staff HR issues would not be discussed at a public meeting.

He also confirmed that people can keep on the tradition of grave digging.

"There is an exemption for traditional practices. That is put in specifically because some councillors had asked for it," he said.

Cllr Aird was not satisfied at the reply.

"You won't play a cat and mouse game. We have a lot of council cemeteries in our ownership. In all areas there is a tradition of digging graves. Why would you want a person who is able to operate a trench digger? I am concerned. You are fobbing us off and it won't work," Cllr Aird said.

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The county wide role was advertised in December, offering a salary of €690.81 - €711.54 per week.