LIMERICK GRAVEYARDS are to be inspected by the county council, which is concerned at the number of unauthorised permanent structures being erected throughout the county.
The council recently removed a structure at the Relig Mhuire cemetery in Askeaton, which was found to be in breach of its guidelines on burial grounds.
Limerick County Council spokesman Michael Griffin said that while permission was given to erect a headstone at the cemetery in July 2007, it subsequently came to the council's attention that a cross had been added, which brought the overall height of the structure above the allowed 4ft 6in.
Mr Griffin said the council removed the cross only after numerous meetings and written submissions to the family asking them to remove it were unsuccessful. "The council carried out an inspection of the cross prior to its removal," he said. "The instability of the structure meant that it was a threat to public safety."
The council was satisfied the sculptor did not erect the cross and that it did not know who did, or whether they had the required insurance.
Mr Griffin said the council would continue to investigate breaches of the regulations by examining all newly erected permanent structures. "Such inspections will be carried out in the interests of public safety and in accordance with guidelines set out under the burial ground policy."
The policy requires that no permanent structures of any description or material be erected on any place of burial in the cemetery, unless approved by the council.