Limerick Council has vowed to clamp down on the number of unauthorised permanent structures being erected at burial grounds throughout the county.

The council's pledge follows the forced removal of a headstone at a cemetery in West Limerick by the local authority.

The permanent structure at Relig Mhuire Burial Ground in Askeaton was found to be in breach of guidelines, as set out under the council's 'Burial Ground Policy'.

Limerick Council's Michael Griffin said: "Permission was given to a local resident to erect a headstone at the cemetery in July 2007.

"It subsequently came to our attention that a cross was added to the headstone, bringing the overall height of the structure above the permissible height of 4ft 6 inches.

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"The council removed the cross after numerous meetings and written submissions to the resident asking them to remove it proved unsuccessful."

Mr Griffin said: "The council carried out an inspection of the cross prior to its removal. The instability of the structure meant that it was a threat to public safety."

"The council is satisfied that the Monumental Sculptor did not erect the cross. The council does not know who erected the cross or if they had the required insurances," he added.

Limerick Council’s 'Burial Ground Policy' states that no tomb, monument, vault, headstone, tablet or permanent structure of any description or material should be erected or constructed on any place of burial in the cemetery.

Any proposed structure must gain approval in the form of a Certificate of Permission by the council's engineer.

Mr Griffin said: "Limerick County Council will continue to investigate breaches of these regulations by conducting examinations of all newly erected permanent structures in burial grounds across County Limerick."

"Such inspections will be carried out in the interests of public safety and in accordance with guidelines set out under the 'Burial Ground Policy'," he added.

(PR)