Letterkenny Councillor Donal Coyle has issued a call for urgent repairs at the Old Leck Graveyard.
Broken boundary walls and damaged trees have led to issues and safety hazards at the historical site.
Cllr Coyle told the Letterkenny-Milford MD this week that falling walls have allowed cattle to enter the graveyard from nearby fields.
“It’s a disgrace that on hallowed ground you could be walking in cow manure,” Cllr Coyle said.
He added that a yew tree is in danger of falling and damaging a wall and some of the gravestones, some of which date back to the 18th century.
Cllr Coyle explained that the Old Leck graveyard is used by both Catholics and Protestants and is still in use by families in the area today.
Cllr Coyle complimented the two community employment workers who maintain the graveyards at Leck, but urged the council to support the upkeep by repairing the walls and removing the broken tree.
In response, the council said: “The Roads Area Team have programmed to carry out fencing works at the graveyard to prevent cattle or sheep accessing from adjacent land. An assessment will also be carried out concerning the safety of the trees in the Graveyard and the appropriate action will be taken where necessary. In addition to this funding opportunities will be sought to obtain additional funds to carry out repair works to the boundary walls.”
