Only special cases allowed to drive into Clonmel cemetery

The number of people with exceptional circumstances who would be allowed drive into St. Patrick's Cemetery in Clonmel, under new arrangements introduced earlier this month, could probably be counted on one hand.

That's according to Sinead Carr, District Manager of Clonmel Borough District Council.

At present there was just one person they were trying to accommodate, she told a council meeting.

The gates had been closed for health and safety reasons and traffic wouldn't be allowed back.

Ms Carr said that just because a person had a blue (disabled driver's) badge didn't mean they could drive into the cemetery.

The vast majority of people had family, neighbours and friends who could bring those with mobility issues to visit graves.

The District Manager said the council would meet with the Friends and Families of St. Patrick's Cemetery group to discuss the names of those with exceptional circumstances who would be allowed drive into the cemetery.

The group was strongly opposed to the banning of cars from the cemetery, but the council has pressed ahead with its plans. 

District Administrator Anthony Coleman said that disabled parking bays were available in the new car park adjacent to the cemetery.

Since October 8 only authorised vehicles such as those belonging to undertakers, stone masons and firms erecting headstones were allowed drive into the cemetery, he said.