Council Launch Internal Investigation following reports of Grave Damage at Monks Hill Cemetery

An internal investigation has been launched by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council following concerns raised by two local councillors, citing damage done to graves at Monks Hill Cemetery in Newry. Photographs showing tracks across graves and damage to grave surrounds have been seen by the local representatives.

Newry City Councillor Aidan Mathers said that senior Council officers must ensure that any work carried out at Council Municipal Cemeteries  are done so in a sensitive and respectful manner.

The Councillor who is Chairperson of the Newry City District Electoral Area,  made his comments after his colleague Councillor Valerie Harte raised concerns about damage being done to graves in the Monks Hill cemetery.

Councillor Mathers said: “I have been shown Photos where machines have been tracked across other graves leaving clear large track marks on graves.

"Also there are instances where planks have been placed across graves to facilitate machinery moving, resulting  in graves and the surrounds left in a terrible state ”.

Cllr Mathers continued: “This is totally unacceptable practice. I contacted senior Council management about these concerns but as of yet I have had no response."

I certainly understand that accessibility can be an issue but this type of practice is totally unacceptable. It causes huge distress for families who have lost their loved ones”.

Concluding Councillor Mather’s said: “I expect senior management to address these concerns as a matter of urgency”.

In a reply to Newry.ie a council spokesperson said “Newry Mourne and Down District Council is committed to the respectful and diligent management of cemeteries and burial services within our community. We understand the profound importance of these spaces and the need to ensure they are maintained with the utmost care and sensitivity.

"The Council takes this responsibility seriously and continuously works to uphold high standards in the management of our cemeteries. The issue reported by Cllr Mathers was immediately addressed. An internal investigation is underway to establish why this happened and prevent a similar incident happening again in the future.

"A senior manager from the Facilities Management team has been in contact with Cllr Mathers regarding this matter.”