Less words and more action’ is required to address the ongoing capacity issues in graveyards in Donegal.
It has previously been reported that Letterkenny’s two main Christian burial grounds at Conwal and Leck will be at capacity in an estimated eight years, while it is also an issue across the county as many burial grounds are very fast approaching crisis point.
The issue was raised at the recent meeting of Donegal County Council when Cllr Ciaran Brogan called for the senior management of the local authority to meet with the inter-church group on graveyard provision in Donegal with a view to set up a working group to address the ongoing capacity issues affecting all parishes of various denominations.
Speaking during the meeting Cllr Brogan said, “This has been going on for a number of years and has been raised by different members from across the county.
“There have been more words than action to be honest.
“I know with the development plan in Letterkenny over the last number of years we have had a lot of discussions on it but unfortunately it did not identify any solutions.
“I think we need to have a dedicated working group set up to take a lead on this.
“We need to start taking this issue seriously.
“Undertakers, representatives of the churches and a lot of families themselves are very concerned about this. Families have their loved ones buried in a certain graveyard for years and years and now they feel these graveyards are coming to near full capacity and it is a very emotive issue for them,” said Cllr Brogan.
It was also suggested that the council publicly advertise for expressions of interest for land to be used as burial grounds.
Cllr Brogan continued, “It would be interesting to see what would come through if we did advertise.
“We need to be taking this more serious than we have been to date,” said Cllr Brogan.
Director Of Services at Donegal County Council, Michael McGarvey said the council has been working with denominational groups concerned and said they will bring a focus to this piece of work.
“In the first instance, I will follow up and have a talk with Cllr Brogan.
“I want to acknowledge the very good work that is done by churches and denomination groups and we don’t want to interfere with that.
“We want to add in and support that hard work so we will actively work on this in the next weeks and months ahead,” said Mr McGarvey.
It was confirmed a working group will be set up which will include the elected members and representatives with further discussions set to be held at a later council meeting.
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