Kildare County Council has ‘learned its lesson’ following divisive decision over Allen graveyard benches

A representative for Kildare County Council (KCC) admitted that the local authority learned a lesson after removing benches from a graveyard.

The official made the comment in response to a question from Fianna Fáil councillor Daragh Fitzpatrick at the Clane-Maynooth MD meeting, which was held on Friday, June 2.

Cllr Fitzpatrick asked KCC to 'outline the policy and procedure in relation to the removal of benches in graveyards.'

His question was in relation to a controversy from earlier this month, in which locals of the Allen parish criticised KCC after it stuck notices on between 25 and 30 benches at Allen Graveyard.

Cllr Fitzpatrick said that he was also taken aback by the initial reports, as he was not aware that signs would be placed on the benches.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Daragh Fitzpatrick.

In its report at the meeting, KCC said: "Cemetery byelaws adopted by the council in 2018 clearly state (Sn 26.1) that only seating provided by the Council will be permitted in any cemetery and any other seat(s) shall be removed at the direction of the Caretaker/Registrar.

"There are often restrictions on space and the council strives to ensure accessibility within the graveyard for the benefit of all families, visitors and members of the general public."

However, speaking directly to Cllr Fitzpatrick, the KCC representative said: "We appreciate the feedback and will, in future, consult with councillors first. We have learned our lesson."