Longford cemetery new bye-laws are to reach new headstone heights
Restrictions on headstone heights have been strengthened to 1.2 meters
New laws over the heights of headstones were discussed during September’s meeting for the protection and management of cemeteries. The new bye-laws mean that there is the removal or triple plots for increased capacity, and that there is to be no pre-purchase of plots. The retaining fee structure means that one plot is €450.
Restrictions on headstone heights have been strengthened to 1.2 meters. Celtic crosses have to be standalones without any podiums. All contractors for cemeteries have to now be on a register to guarantee that these bye-laws are followed.
The meeting acknowledged the gratitude to all the work done on a voluntary basis by those who maintain the upkeep of the cemeteries.
Cllr Casey said: “How do you police the headstone height? Do we go out or take it down? The caretakers of our cemeteries–the pay doesn’t equate to 129 a quarter. It’s a serious amount of work voluntarily and a job nobody will touch. It’s something we need to look at.”
Cllr Butler replied: “Casey has hit the nail on the head. There will be serious compliance problems. It’s a well-crafted legislation but if you expect caretakers to enforce these, will you have to take people to court to comply? I can’t see certain elements that will comply.”
It was explained that the register of contractors had to sign up and comply with the bye-laws. If someone slips through the net, it could mean the removal of the headstone. There is a three-month grace period before the introduction of the new laws, but the council is talking to undertakers.
Cllr Mark Cahill asked how the notification will be sent out about the new bye-laws, in which the presentation said that there would be the purchasing of advertisements in local papers, as well as social media campaigns that people can reference.
Plastic flowers have not been ruled out to ban.