'Massive' graves 'breaking every rule' in Laois cemetery

Rules on grave sizes are being ignored in a Laois cemetery by some, a local councillor has said.

"Massive structures" that "break every rule in the book" have been installed to no resistance, at St Joseph's Cemetery in Mountmellick, Laois, according to Cllr Paddy Bracken.

He reported the problem to the CEO of Laois County Council, at their November meeting when updated by-laws for Laois burial grounds were formally approved.

The bye-laws state that no monument can be installed until permission is granted and can be no taller than 1.2 metres. Kerbs are not permitted in lawn cemeteries. The council reserves the right to remove any monument breaching the laws, and recover the cost from those who installed it.

Cllr Paddy Bracken has complained that the bye-laws are not being enforced.

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"I welcome the updated bye-laws but the biggest issue is nobody polices them. I am a member of Mountmellick cemetery committee. There is a massive structure there that breaks every rule in the book. It's way above the height limit. These are fine bye-laws but who is going to implement them and police them?

"It's a very sensitive area, and it can be at the time they are being erected," he said.