'Absolutely and totally ridiculous', Laois cemetery policy review requested

Laois County Council was asked to review its cemetery policy with a view to providing toilet facilities in some instances. 

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan raised the issue at the May meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.  

He asked: “That Laois County Council install a portable toilet in the graveyard in Sleaty as there are no toilet facilities and it is around two kilometres from town.”

In a written response, Community and Corporate Affairs Department’s Ken Morley stated that:  “It is not the practice of Laois County Council to provide toilets at cemeteries for reasons including the capital cost and maintenance costs of same.”

“I can’t understand that in 2023 that we haven’t even toilet facilities in the graveyards that the council is in charge of,” said Cllr Brennan. 

Expressing disappointment at the response, Cllr Brennan noted that despite the council having applied for over €200,000 for cemeteries, it was granted only €70,000.  

“Imagine if an old person that is at a funeral in Sleaty, Graiguecullen, Ballyadams graveyard. No toilet facilities whatsoever, no water, it is absolutely and totally ridiculous. I just can’t understand it what’s going on at all,” said Cllr Brennan.  

Walkway considered from Laois tourist site to Portlaoise

Fianna Fail Cllr Padraig Fleming was in agreement with Cllr Brennan. 

“I have to agree with Ben there on that one,” he remarked.  

“In some instances the council should be looking at graveyards,” said Cllr Fleming. 

“It’s out the Sleaty Road, out two kilometres. I think the council should review their policy on that and look at the strategic ones where it would be important that the facilities are there,” said Cllr Fleming.  

He noted that most of the graveyards in Laois require people to walk a good distance.