New Dundalk cemetery working group meets ahead of ‘Blessing of the Graves'
Ahead of that, the new group is working to ensure preparations are underway for such a major community event.
The committee will initially consist of five elected representatives, councillors from Dundalk Municipal District, Robert Nash, Marianne Butler, Sean Kelly, Maeve Yore and Sionann McCann.
Cllr. Nash, the new Cathaoirleach of Dundalk MD, told The Argus that the working group was formed following a series of concerns raised with local councillors.
"I know that quite a lot of the reps I receive from the public are in relation to the graveyard, and I think it would be the same for many other councillors, so it is hoped that this committee will work to address these ongoing concerns.'
He added that it would be the committee's hope to add other interested stakeholders to the group in the near future, such as undertakers, monumental contractors, members of the clergy, as well as senior officials from Louth County Council.
The committee replaces the former Dundalk Burial Board, which was wound up some time ago, leaving, said Cllr. Nash a 'gap' in the management of such a large public area.
"The purpose of this group will be to address operational and maintenance issues which have been brought to the attention of councillors by members of the public.'
In the last week, the new committee has met on site with Louth County Council officials and discussed short, medium, and long term works, which need to be undertaken to improve the overall landscape of St Patrick's cemetery.
'We also hope to make the general public, and indeed other groups such as monumental contractors who may be working in the cemetery, more aware of issues such as the bylaws that exist around monuments being installed in the cemetery.'
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The committee will look at a wide range of issues relating to the graveyard, and, Cllr. Nash added, can examine whether bylaws need to be changed.
'With the annual blessing of the graves upcoming on Sunday July 20th, the general upkeep of the graveyard is the number one priority, and we are working with Louth County Council on this.'
Following on from the annual patrun, the committee hope to sit down with all interested stakeholders and listen to wider concerns in relation to Dowdallshill graveyard.
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