€4.8 million investment in Mayo burial grounds

CROSSMOLINA is to get Mayo's first Columbarium wall for the placing of cremated remains.

Graveyards in the county are set for a €4.8 million investment, with councillors approving a loan drawdown for the programme.

Extensions and provisions of new burial grounds are planned at a number of graveyards: Kilgalligan, Ballycroy, Mayo Abbey, Islandeady, Breaffy, Claremorris, Keelogues, Murrevagh, Dum, Carracastle, Bonniconlon, Bohola, Myna (Kilmeena), Knock, Murris, Barnacarroll, Kilmaine and Crossmolina (Columbarium).

With cremation rates increasing, elected members felt they needed to move with the times, with Columbarium walls in every graveyard.

Crossmolina Councillor Michael Loftus paid tribute to the local graveyard commitee who worked with him and the council in driving forward to install a Columbarium in the local cemetery.

Some members raised issues in their local areas, with Councillor Blackie Gavin wondering about an extension to Castlebar New Cemetery, which he said is nearly full.

He was told it wasn't included specifically in this plan as the council have land there and it will be extended as needed.

The burial grounds on the list require additional lands and are close to running out of plots.

Islandeady is down to its last few double plots, Councillor Harry Barrett told management, and he asked for help to locate land for an extension there.

Councillor Ger Deere said there is a real need for Columbarium walls, which work in other parts of the country.

He also complimented the voluntary committees for their work in the upkeep of cemeteries, saying they should receive increased funding from the council.