COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

MOTION NO. 10

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

Given the recent changes to the Esker cemetery exit and entrance whereby the gates were being locked during the day, this committee asks that Chief Executive provides a report on this decision, which was subsequently reversed given the high volume of complaints. As mentioned in letter provided to members of the public this reversed decision is temporary until the policy is reviewed. This committee requests a discussion on this policy review and urges the Chief Executive to consider each area independently and not to continue with the phrase 'bringing it in line with other policies' this approach cannot be considered as each area, while part of South Dublin County Council is different in many ways.

REPORT:

The decision to restrict vehicle access into the burial section of Esker Cemetery was undertaken to address several ongoing issues which include traffic management, health and safety, damage to graves, illegal dumping, and anti-social behaviour.  To arrive at this, several steps were taken over the last few years to accommodate visitors who arrive at the cemetery in cars.  The existing car park was upgraded to include resurfacing in 2021 and 24 parking spaces were marked in 2022.  Two of the parking spaces are wheelchair accessible parking bays and are located nearest the burial section gate.  A dedicated pedestrian gate was also provided beside the vehicle gate and to facilitate pedestrians to move between the car park and burial section.

In light of the response received from the public the locking arrangement for the vehicle gate was put on hold shortly after implementation to allow an opportunity to review the situation.  The gate has remained in the open position since 18th August 2022.  It is now proposed to fit an automated timer to the vehicle gate and to facilitate some vehicle access to the burial section.  Once a decision is made on the future opening and closing times of the gate, the public and elected members will be informed with due notice of the changes.