Drinking parties in killafree cemetery intimidate families

More needs to be done to tackle anti-social behaviour in Killafree Cemetery in Castlepollard, according to concerned locals.

One woman, whose family have a number of graves in Killafree and who spoke to the Westmeath Examiner on condition of anonymity, claimed that youths are holding drinking parties in the derelict church – known locally as the tower – in the graveyard.

When the paper visited the graveyard last week, cans, bottles and other refuse from the parties could be seen strewn around the tower.

“The anti-social behaviour going on in Killafree in scandalous,” she told the Westmeath Examiner.

“Parties are going in the tower with drinking and everything. It’s just a human toilet in the tower. It was closed up but they are now getting in through holes.

“I put two beautiful flowers on the graves last year and now they are gone. If I roar or shout at them, I know our graves will be targeted.

“It’s terrible what’s been going on since last summer. Others are afraid to come out because you don’t know what you are dealing with.”

In a written statement to the Westmeath Examiner, Westmeath County Council said that cemeteries are “generally open in nature” and that any complaints about anti-social behaviour should be referred to the gardaí as well as the local authority.

“The council has in the past received complaints of youths frequenting the derelict church within Killafree Cemetery and the council closed those former openings in the derelict building and they remain closed.

“Following a recent complaint on February 4 last the council again inspected the area and undertook to close the remaining openings as a matter of public safety and to help prevent anti-social behaviour in Killafree Cemetery.

“This building will be fully secured within the coming weeks.
“The council has also requested the gardaí to monitor this area.”