Mayor in Kildare questions why people feel the need to drive in cemeteries

The comments were made in relation to a motion which was submitted by a separate councillor

By Ciarán Mather Published 22nd May 2026, 11:00 BST Updated 22nd May 2026, 11:00 BST Mayor in Kildare questions why people feel the need to drive in cemeteries | FILE PHOTOGRAPH / PIXABAY The comments were made in relation to a motion which was submitted by a separate councillor Sign up to our Kildare Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kildare Live within your account.

The Mayor of the Kildare -Newbridge Municipal District (MD) has questioned why people feel the need to drive in cemeteries.

Fianna Fáil councillor Noel Heavey made the comments while discussing a motion which was submitted at the latest MD meeting on Wednesday, May 20 last.

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The motion came from Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer, who requested Kildare County Council (KCC) to examine the roads in St Conleth's Cemetery in Newbridge and to complete ‘any relevant repairs’.

Her motion was seconded by her party colleague, Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Noel Heavey, who is also the Mayor of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, made the comments, while Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer submitted the motion | LEFT: Photograph by Martin Connelly. RIGHT: File photograph of Cllr Peggy O'Dwyer In response to Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer’s motion, KCC said via the report it submitted at the meeting: “KCC will inspect the internal roadways to assess the level of repairs required with a view to subsequently seeking quotations to carry out those works.

KCC added: “Subject to available funding, we hope to have the works completed by the end of the summer.”

Speaking further on the matter, a representative for KCC who was also present at the meeting admitted that KCC was aware of incidents where cars have hit graves within the cemetery.

Mayor Heavey then spoke and told those in attendance that he did not understand why some people feel the need to drive their vehicles inside cemeteries.

“As far as I’m aware of, it seems to be an accepted thing now to bring cars in onto holy ground,” he added. “I think that should be brought up.”

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