CCTV cameras could be installed at Drumcliff burial grounds in a bid to tackle thefts, anti-social behaviour and illegal dumping.

At this week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, Councillor Mary Howard urged that the council investigate the possibility of putting the cameras at the cemetery. And she was told that Clare County Council is “examining the feasibility” of installing the devices.

“Drumcliff should be a quiet place of contemplation but there have been a number of incidences and it has been going on for many years,” she said. She outlined that visitors to the graveyard have come back to their cars to find their windows smashed and belongings taken.

“You often find somebody upset that their windows have been smashed when they get back to their car. CCTV is possibly the only way to go in dealing with this,” she said.

She also detailed anti-social and intimidating behaviour by large groups of people gathered at the graveyard.

In response to Councillor Howard’s motion, Betty Devanny, administrative officer for tourism and community development with Clare County Council stated, “Clare County Council is examining the feasibility of the temporary installation of CCTV at specific locations in the vicinity of Drumcliff burial ground. This is necessary to combat the ongoing issues in relation to theft from vehicles in the car park, anti-social behaviour and illegal dumping. Clare County Council is also considering the installation of public lighting at the car park area at Drumcliff.”