The National Monuments Service (NMS) has launched an investigation into alleged unauthorised excavation at a heritage graveyard in northeast Galway.

The state agency tasked with protecting and conserving heritage monuments said it received a report of unauthorised mechanical digging at the heritage graveyard at St. Solan’s church in Caltra.

The pre-Famine graveyard – which includes the graves of some of the Bellews of Mountbellew – was listed as a Recorded Monument, which affords it certain protections in law.

The NMS investigation comes as the Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran confirmed to the Connacht Tribune that “some people who had no authority to do so, began a process of installing a mobile office in the Church grounds”.

A diocesan spokesperson on behalf of Bishop Doran added: “Quite apart from the fact that they would have required permission in writing from the Diocesan Trustees to undertake such a project, they would also have required planning permission. Our understanding is that the Parish Priest, Fr John Mahony, has now dealt with this matter.”

Fr John Mahony, who is based in Ahascragh, is understood to have addressed parishioners about the issue.

When contacted by the Connacht Tribune, he said talks were taking place.

“There are ongoing discussions. I want no publicity on this and I will answer no further questions,” Fr Mahony said.

Caltra’s Heritage Graveyard Committee has assured the community that it had nothing to do with the development at the graveyard.

Joe Treacy, a member of the committee, said: “We are quietly gobsmacked that someone would bring in a mechanical digger into a heritage graveyard without any consultation or dialogue. The people of Caltra are quietly upset that an act like this has occurred.”

Caption: A mound of clay in Caltra Church car park, which was excavated from the graveyard – a Recorded Monument – with wreaths left by local Caltra parishioners.

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