Overgrown graveyard is ‘enhancing biodiversity’
IF FAMILIES of people buried at Bluebell Cemetery wish to maintain their plots differently to how the council manage the site, it is “entirely their choice”, according to Dublin City Council.
The council were responding to a question by Cllr Hazel de Nortúin (PBP) at the area committee, which requested that the Bluebell Graveyard is restored and maintained in an orderly manner.
This follows a number of calls in recent weeks for the graveyard, which dates back 300 years, to be maintained.
In June, The Echo reported concerns by distressed family members that the cemetery is overgrown, “out of sight and forgotten.”
The city council say the graveyard is cut twice a year and that a recent change in practice in letting the ground bloom, has “enhanced biodiversity.”
Bluebell is not open for new burials but some residents plan to bury loved ones in family plots when the time comes.
In response to Cllr de Nortúin, DCC said: “Bluebell cemetery is maintained under the landscape maintenance contract for parks.
The plots are managed as per our pollinator sward maintenance, where wildflowers are allowed to bloom in acknowledgement of their contribution to pollinating insects.
Traditionally Dublin City Council would have treated areas like this with herbicide, to achieve a bare earth appearance however, for a number of years have ceased this practice.
“This change in practice is with the view to enhancing biodiversity.
“Graveyards are cut twice a year, are litter picked weekly and have invasive species like buddleia cut back annually.
“Currently the graveyard is full of colour from cowslips, oxeye daisy, buttercup and marigold.
“While we can understand that the aesthetic of long grass and wildflowers is not to everyone’s taste, at least the environment is not being damaged and there is a noticeable increase in insects and birdlife as a result of this change in management practice.
“If families of the interred wish to maintain their plots in a different way themselves it is entirely their choice.”
