Calls for solutions to the dumping of old wreaths at Ballymote cemetery

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Calls have been made for Sligo County Council to find a solution in relation to the issue of dumping of materials such as old wreaths at Carrownanty cemetery in Ballymote.

Cllr Dara Mulvey relayed the frustration of the local community when he said,“Despite numerous clean ups along the path connecting the new and old cemetery, old memorial items are continually discarded and left along this area despite signs on the wall asking that no rubbish be left in that area.

"A large volume of old wreaths were taken away recently following complaints to Sligo County Council and thankfully it was cleaned up, but this week the area is as bad again.”

“As we all know it is not possible to install public bins in the cemetery, as they tend to be used for household rubbish. Other cemeteries do not seem to have this ongoing dumping issue and it should not be tolerated at Carrownanty cemetery Ballymote,” he insisted.

Outlining a possible way of resolving the issue of unwanted dumping Cllr Mulvey said, “One such solution would be to install a new Remembrance Area along the path, offering the community a peaceful place to sit, reflect and remember, with new seating benches and planters, as part of its commitment to support grieving members of the community and also to try to solve the continuing issue of old wreaths and waste being dumped along this section.

"It’s a simple but effective way to provide seating for loved ones who visit the cemetery and allow them to feel connected to those you have lost and might encourage people not to dump old old memorial items. Providing a remembrance area in this location maybe one such solution to the ongoing problem.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.