Bollards causing distress to elderly visiting cemetery
By Aideen O'Flaherty
BOLLARDS which were installed in Bohernabreena Cemetery by South Dublin County Council in an effort to curb anti-social and criminal activity in the graveyard have been causing “distress” to some elderly visitors as it prevents them from driving their cars further into the graveyard, according to a councillor.
South Dublin County Council installed the bollards in response to ongoing issues in the cemetery, including problems with illegal dumping and, as reported in The Echo in 2016, tyre tracks were being left on graves as a result of people driving around the gravestones.
Bollards have been causing distress to elderly residents in Bohernabreena cemetery
The bollards were installed at the request of councillors following a motion which was passed at the meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee in January 2016.
Charlie O’Connor, Fianna Fáil councillor for Tallaght Central, told The Echo: “A handful of people have been on to me about the bollards, and they have said to me that [the bollards] are causing them distress.”
The primary issue that has been raised with Cllr O’Connor is the difficulty that this causes some of his elderly constituents, as they have reduced mobility and can find it hard to walk down to visit their relatives’ graves.
Visitors to the graveyard should park their cars in one of the available carparks and then make their way on foot to the graves, according to the council.
However, the council has stated that the bollards are removable and that they might be in a position to facilitate access to the restricted part of the cemetery in exceptional circumstances, and by prior arrangement with the Burial Grounds Section by phoning 01 414 9234.
An effort to combat anti-social and criminal activity
In a statement seen by The Echo, the council said: “The bollards were installed in an effort to combat anti-social and criminal activity in the graveyard, including illegal dumping and damage to graves by vehicles, and in the interest of pedestrian safety.
“The bollards remain locked in place at all times and are removed only by council staff when access is required for a funeral procession, grave digger, monumental sculptor, or maintenance work.
“The council regrets having to take the decision to implement the installation of bollards; however these measures have proven to be successful.
“Having recently reviewed the situation, the council is not in a position to remove the bollards on a permanent basis.”
