COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, April 16, 2012
QUESTION NO. 8
QUESTION: Councillor J. Lahart
To ask the Manager to present a full report on the damage to headstones in Bohernabreena Cemetery on March the 14th last in section 'N' and to outline what steps the Manager has taken to get to the bottom of the matter and to make good the damage caused to the headstones - and to further clarify as to whether the Manager has sought information/report from the Gardai regarding the matter?
REPLY:
The first report of damage to the headstones in Bohernabreena Cemetery was received on Thursday 15th March. Burial Grounds staff in the cemetery have reported that they were not aware of any damage to the headstones in question when leaving the location at 3.30 p.m. on Wednesday 14th March 2012. The Council has contacted the plotholders to advise them and has had a number of contacts with An Garda Siochana in relation to the damage. An Garda Siochana has reported that the damage is not believed to have been malicious and was most likely caused by a vehicle accidently reversing into the headstones. It has not so far proven possible to identify the vehicle or the person responsible.
Headstone Permits are issued to plotholders containing a condition that the Council will under no circumstances be responsible for damage from any cause whatsoever including vandalism to the headstone, surround, foundation and other non Council property.
Three of the four plotholders affected have been in contact with the Council and have been reminded that the maintenance of privately erected headstones is a matter for the plotholders.