Removal of Several Benches at Crosstown Cemetery Raises Concerns

Wexford County Council has issued a statement following comments by Tony Hynes on Morning Mix today about the removal of seating at Crosstown Cemetery.

Tony Hynes told the programme that he discovered yesterday that seating had been removed from Crosstown Cemetery when he went to visit his late wife Kitty’s grave. He said the change meant he could no longer sit beside the grave as he normally does.

Tony explained that sitting at the graveside helps him feel close to his wife and said he was “very distressed” and “very upset” when he realised the benches were gone.

He added that since most of the seating in the area has been removed, he now finds it difficult to remain at the grave because he cannot stand for long. According to Tony, only one bench remains nearby, and it has been bolted to the ground.

In response Wexford County Council Statement gave the following statement:

Wexford County Council recently carried out essential works on weather-damaged pathways in Crosstown Cemetery. Stone was laid to improve pedestrian access for visitors to graves.  To allow for these works, it was necessary to remove impediments along the footpaths. 

One challenge in delivering these works has been the proliferation of ad hoc seating adjacent to burial plots which has developed over decades.  Wexford County Council adopted Burial Ground Bye - Laws in 2021 which apply to all open burial grounds under our jurisdiction. Section 9.23 of the Bye Laws states that “Seats or benches may not be placed on, or adjacent to burial-ground plots. Only seating provided by the Council will be permitted in any burial ground and any other seat(s) shall be removed at the discretion of the caretaker”.

It is not the intention of Wexford County Council to remove all unauthorised seating, but unimpeded access for visitors to graves is important, particularly for people with additional accessibility needs.

We fully recognise the need to facilitate seating for visitors. We have a caretaker on site in Crosstown Cemetery and any visitor experiencing difficulties should address those concerns to the caretaker who will be happy to assist where possible. Where it is possible to accommodate a request for a seat for personal use we will endeavour to do so and permission will be subject to indemnity to Council relating to any claims arising from the use of such seat.

As part of ongoing works, Wexford County Council plans to increase the numbers of permanent seats out at Crosstown and we will seek to distribute these across the graveyard in the interest of providing more places for visitors to take a rest. We will ensure that clear notices and information are provided to the public about these plans.