Search continues for land as graveyard space starts to run low

Space in graveyards, or rather the lack of it is fast becoming a huge problem in many parts of the county.

The search for new land is ongoing. Donegal County Council has already consulted with various church authorities as well as examining requirements for a non-denominational graveyard.

Letterkenny councillor Ciaran Brogan has been campaigning to push this item to the top of the council executive's agenda for a long time and raised the matter again at a recent meeting when he asked for an updated report on his motion agreed by the council to advertise for expressions of interest for land for graveyards.

He added he also wanted to know if the council had meetings with all church leaders to help address this massive issue. 

He was told the matter was discussed by the council's Climate Action and Environment Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) at their meeting in April and that meetings have taken place with the council's environment, planning and social inclusion sections. It has also been discussed with a number of church representatives and they will be kept updated on the matter.

Cllr Brogan also heard that discussions with the Black and Ethnic Minority groups as well as the Intercultural Platform are being arranged for September to gain a wider understanding of the requirements for a non-denominational graveyard. 

It is understood the council currently intends to consider potential sites on its own land in the wider Letterkenny area and if deemed necessary thereafter seek an Expression of Interest for other lands. 

But any acquisition or use of existing council land will require a technical assessment with regard to a wide range of criteria including access, topography, soil characteristics, drainage, land zoning in accordance with relevant area and county development plans, as well as proximity to residential areas.

The council, taking a cross-directorate approach, are exploring internal and external funding as part of the multi-annual Capital Budget to enable a site to be secured and works to be carried out.

Cllr Brogan was assured that an update on this matter will be provided at the next Climate Action and Environment SPC.