Over 500 sign petition demanding weekend access to Ashbourne graveyard

A GROWING public outcry has erupted over the weekend closure of St Declan’s Graveyard in Ashbourne, with more than 500 people signing a petition calling for safe access to the cemetery.

The petition was launched by Michelle Matthews on behalf of her 81-year-old father, Tommy Matthews, who visits the grave of his late wife Mary who passed away last September every single day.

The couple were married for 61 years, and her father finds comfort in tending to Mary’s grave. But at weekends, the cemetery gates are closed, forcing visitors to park on the dangerously busy N2 road and cross on foot described by Matthews as “an accident waiting to happen.”

“He visits mum’s grave every day. The only comfort he has is taking care of it,” said Michelle. “They were married for over six decades, and he is lost without her. Seeing him struggle just to pay his respects is heartbreaking.”

Currently, St Declan’s Graveyard is only open for vehicle access on weekdays until 3.15pm. Despite having a large car park inside the grounds, visitors at weekends are unable to use it, leaving the road as the only parking option. For many elderly and disabled visitors, this makes accessing the cemetery almost impossible.

Michelle Matthews emphasises that her campaign is about more than her father. “I’m doing this for all elderly people, families with children, and anyone with limited mobility who wants to visit their departed loved ones safely. Weekends are when most people have the time to come, yet they cannot access the cemetery without risk.”

The petition calls for extended opening hours 8pm in summer and 5pm in winter giving the community safe and reasonable access. So far, the campaign has garnered strong local support, with more than 500 signatures collected.

Michelle’s petition has become a major catalyst in reigniting long standing concerns about access to the graveyard, prompting renewed public and political attention. In response to the growing community pressure, Cllr Alan Tobin has submitted a motion calling on Meath County Council to redesign the entrance to provide safe, daily public access and internal parking for visitors.

“It’s not just about convenience it’s about safety and human dignity,” Matthews said. “There have already been incidents in the past with people trying to park or reverse onto the N2 to get closer to the gates. We cannot wait for someone to be seriously hurt before action is taken.”

The petition, titled “St Declan's Graveyard, Ashbourne – Open the Gates at Weekends!”, is calling for a practical solution to a longstanding problem, ensuring that elderly, frail, and mobility-impaired residents can continue to honour their loved ones safely.

“Nothing has been done about this for years,” Michelle said. “It’s basic human decency. Everyone should have the right to visit their departed loved ones safely. Weekends should not mean putting your life at risk just to pay your respects.”

Meath Co Council said it intends to review arrangements at St Declan’s Cemetery in Ashbourne "with a particular focus on access times."

To see petition click here