Grave development

March 2009

Residents living on Weston Close have vowed to bring an appeal to An Bord Pleanála opposing the construction of three houses on a burial site from the 17th Century.

Cllr Eamonn Long has accused Wicklow Town Council of ‘showing a lack of respect for the dead’ by giving the go ahead for the development at Weston Close.

Dara O’Reilly grew up on the Kilmantin Road and lodged a submission to the council objecting to the plans on behalf of her 78-year-old mother.

She says, ‘everyone on the road objected. People aren’t anti-development. They just don’t want to see construction take place over a burial ground.’

It is believed that 310 people were massacred by British troops in 1641 and buried at Weston Close.

Remains have been uncovered in the past lying east to west in what appears to have been an organised burial.

‘At least now it’s out of the hands of the council. An Bord Pleanála will give us a fair hearing,’ insists Cllr. Long.