Better access needed to ‘extremely busy’ Laois cemetery

Action is needed in Camross to improve access to the local cemetery which a councillor says is extremely busy.

Cllr Conor Bergin, Fine Gael, wants Laois County Council to widen the existing entrance to the graveyard to allow hearses and cars to access. He also wants the local authority to erect new entrance gates.

“The cemetery is extremely busy,” he told a recent meeting in County Hall.

Apart from access problems, he said hearses cannot turn in the cemetery. He also highlighted parking problems, especially for people visiting the graves of their loved ones.

He welcomed work that had been carried out last year to improve safety but he said the narrow road that serves the cemetery remains a problem. He said local landowner would be willing to work with the council to find a solution.

“All these cemeteries were built before cars but now we need room for cars,” he said.

The motion was backed by Cllr James Kelly, Independent. He agreed that a landowner is disposed to help. He said the council have to take into account heritage issues such as the cemetery wall which is quite old.

Mr Ken Morley, SE, Community Section, replied.

“Representatives from Laois County Council met recently in this regard with the Parish Priest and the owner of the land adjacent to the cemetery. Options for an improved access road to the cemetery will be examined for consideration,” he said.

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The issue was raised at the recent Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District meeting in County Hall, Portlaoise.