Chairperson of the Roads, Planning and Emergency Services SPC, Cllr. Crosby introduced the Draft Policy and Procedure for Allocation and Administration of Burial Ground Major Repair and Emergency Repair Budgets 2026, which had been presented to the SPC on 25th February.

He outlined that the policy sets out the processes for administering, prioritising and approving and delivering works funded through the major repair works budget (€25,000 per MD annually) and the emergency repairs works budget (€7,500 per MD annually). It is designed to ensure compliance with statutory obligations, local bye-laws and the schedule of MD works as provided for under Section 103A of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended).

This policy applies to all burial grounds managed by Roscommon County Council across the three Municipal Districts (Boyle, Athlone and Roscommon) and extends to council staff, caretakers, engineer personnel, Elected Members and community groups.

Major repair works are defined as construction related activities such as structural repairs, drainage improvements, significant tree surgery beyond routine maintenance and repairs to gates, boundary walls or other structural elements. Such works are defined as urgent interventions required to address hazardous conditions including storm damage, unstable structures or failures that pose risk to public safety or burial operations.

The SPC had considered the draft policy and recommended it for approval and adoption. Cllr. Crosby requested that Members adopt the policy.

Members welcomed the policy and funding being made available and raised the following:

·        Acknowledgment for the voluntary work undertaken by community members in graveyards.

·        Concerns regarding overgrown trees and incidents of falling trees across graveyards; a request was made for a review and survey of trees that may pose risks.

·        An update was sought on the Crypt in Ballintubber which was damaged during Storm Éowyn.

·        It was queried whether preventative works are covered under the tree surgery provisions.

·        A recommendation to amend the policy to include damage to headstones/graves following storms such as the example of Castlerea graveyard following Storm Éowyn and lack of communication from IPB regarding insurance cover.

Cllr. Keogh, as representative on the IPB board, offered to raise the matter at the IPB AGM in May.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan advised that the proposed policy is separate from works covered by insurance.

Director of Services, Mr. Mark Keaveney, confirmed that storm?related damage to headstones and graveyards falls under insurance and must be submitted accordingly. He advised that the Castlerea case is progressing and reiterated that the policy relates to non?insurance works. He further confirmed that preventative works are covered within the policy, but requests will be prioritised as they arise. He added that the Ballintubber crypt is a Protected Structure, requiring a feasibility study, which is currently underway.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Crosby
            SECONDED by Cllr. Moylan
It was AGREED to adopt the Draft Policy and Procedure for Allocation and Administration of Burial Ground Major Report and Emergency Repair Budgets 2026

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Dineen
            SECONDED by Cllr. Conboy
It was AGREED to extend Standing Orders until 6.20pm.