Crowe calls on council to abandon controversial plans for Bohernabreena
Graves

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West has called on South Dublin County
Council to withdraw a letter sent to relatives of people buried in a
section of Bohernabreena Cemetery which threatens to remove personal
items from their loved ones graves.

Deputy Crowe said there is huge opposition to the Council’s plans and
that the threatening letters are causing further heartbreak and distress
to hundreds of families.

Speaking today Deputy Crowe said:

“This issue has arisen because South Dublin County Council wants to
transform a section of the graveyard into a Lawn cemetery with easy
access for Council workers to cut the grass at the graves. Many of
families are adamant that they have always maintained their loved ones
graves and cannot understand that now many years later the Council are
trying impose these changes and threatening to remove personal items.

“The families affected claim that they were never informed before now
that their loved ones’ graves were to be part of a lawn cemetery and
that personal items should not be placed on them.

“I have been dealing with a number of the families involved in this and
there is major opposition to the council’s plans.  This has caused a
huge amount of hurt and distress to families who are already suffering.

“Leaving personal items on the graves of loved ones helps to bring
comfort to the many of the families.  It is a deeply personal act.

“In this section of the graveyard there are many people who passed away
at an early age in tragic circumstances and the families are still
trying to come to terms with their loss.

“I met with council officials last week with a delegation of some of the
family members involved.  We put the case to South Dublin County Council
and called on them to think again in relation to their proposals.

“It is my view that the council cannot win this case.  The graves have
been maintained by family members for years and many of them do not want
council officials or strangers walking on or interfering with the
graves.  Personal items and family maintenance of the graves are not
causing any harm to anyone.

“The council needs to withdraw the threatening letters immediately and
come up with creative solutions that would include allowing families to
maintain their loved ones’ graves.

“The council has agreed to reassess the situation and to inform myself
and other members of the delegation of any further actions.”