Damaging 'rogue' trees removed at Old Kilcullen graveyard
If things all seem a bit brighter at Old Kilcullen from today, they actually are, writes Brian Byrne. On approach from the entrance driveway to the medieval site and graveyard, the tower is now visible, thanks to the removal of some trees by Kildare County Council.
That follows representations in 2022 by local resident Angela Murray-Hayden, who informed the Council Heritage Officer of her concerns that some 'rogue' poplar trees were not only obscuring the visibility of the heritage site (below) but were also a threat to the stability of the cemetery wall.
The removal had been requested by the Old Kilcullen Area Residents Association, and involved several meetings between the Council and Association members. Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer committed LPT funds towards the cost of the works, which are part of a plan for a fuller renovation of the graveyard wall. The Diary understands these further works are currently at tender stage.
Visible root damage to the wall is clearly apparent in Angela Murray-Heydon’s photographs below, and a section has bulged outwards and is only held back by an outside fence.
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