Drug dealing at St Kieran’s Cemetery must be stopped - McGuinness

A local cemetery is being used regularly for drug dealing according to two politicians who have received numerous complaints about the issue.

John and Andrew McGuinness, who have their constituency office close to the cemetery, have had written complaints from concerned citizens and have met with affected families regarding the cemetery being used to hide and distribute drugs.

A letter from ‘the ladies group of deceased family members in St Kieran’s Graveyard’ highlighted a number of issues in the cemetery including drug dealing.

“Two of us were in the graveyard very early last Friday morning and met four men dealing drugs.

The four men looked fierce and we feared they could attack us at anytime. The graveyard is a dangerous place to visit and work in and we hope the Council understands how open it is. What can be done to make it safer for us all?, they said.

Deputy McGuinness said the level of complaints in recent months is shocking.

“I get stopped regularly at funerals or when I’m visiting the cemetery by people who are genuinely very worried about this.

“Anti-social behaviour and thefts from graves are two issues that we have often received complaints about but the prevalence of drug dealing is taking this issue to a new level. Regular visitors to the cemetery now see this on a daily basis,” he added.
The public representatives said they have also been contacted by concerned parents who have a son or daughter trying to kick a drug addiction who are able to easily access benzos (prescription drugs) illegally at the cemetery from drug dealers. Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuinness said he is aware of drug dealing happening openly at the cemetery.

“This is now happening on a daily basis and in front of passers by. The dealers don’t care who they hurt or what area they destroy.

ADDITIONAL CCTV

“We want to see the CCTV at the front entrance used fully and additional CCTV installed to make the cemetery safer,” said Mayor McGuinness.

Deputy John McGuinness is also calling for more garda patrols in the area.

A garda spokesperson said that they are continuing patrols in the area and if anyone has information they are asked to contact Kilkenny Garda Station on (056) 7775000.

“We have had some success in that area in recent times and offenders have been brought before the courts,” added the garda spokesperson.