Council staff to­ inspect cemetery

By Echo Reporter

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY Council staff are to carry out an inspection of the Old Mill Cemetery in Palmerstown following recent incidents of vandalism.

The news comes following a question asked by Councillor Ed O’Brien at this month’s meeting of the Lucan Area Committee of South Dublin County Council.

Cllr O’Brien asked the Chief Executive “if security measures can be put in place to ensure the safeguarding of the Old Mill cemetery in Palmerstown following recent acts of vandalism?”

The Council spokesperson replied that local resident groups have been in contact with the Council’s Architectural Conservation Officer in regard to therecent issue.

The Council said that the Architectural Conservation Officer has arranged for a site inspection be carried out by a conservation engineer who was previously engaged for works to the perimeter wall at this site which were completed at the end of 2015.

The Council said: “ During this work, vegetation was cleared from the gable of the church structure and a more detailed inspection was carried out in order that a schedule of works could be agreed to form the next phase of works.

“Due to other priority projects and budget constraints, phase two works were not achievable during 2016 but are planned for early 2017.”

The Council added that due to reports of recent vandalism to the church gable, “an inspection to ascertain the current condition of the church structure will be arranged as soon as possible between Councils Architectural Conservation Officer and Conservation Engineer in order to allow the level of work required to be identified”.