Work to provide 1,000 Extra Grave Plots in Mulhuddart Graveyard underway

On foot of concerns by Councillor David McGuinness in relation to grave places in Fingal, the council have addressed some immediate needs in Dublin 15  by outlining works that have started to provide an extra 1,000 plots in Mulhuddart graveyard. This will allay local fears in relation to where they can bury their deceased loved ones. However, a long term strategy needs to be considered by the council as they have no short-term plans to procur cemetary lands elsewhere in Dublin 15 and this is a particular concern to Councillor McGuinness.

While the council can point to the numerous graveyards throughout Fingal and state they do not have an under-supply issue, the same point does not apply to Dublin 15. With just over 200 plots currently available in Mulhuddart, and considering that a potential 1,000 plots are currently being developed, and given the statement that ‘ on average 3 interments can take place in each burial plot ’, we will not have a short-term crisis on our hands. However, the future does not bode well and Councillor McGuinness believes Dublin 15 need a more certainty in relation to burial-plot provision.

Please see below for a full update from Fingal County Council in relation to burial plots:

Supply of Grave Spaces in FCC Administrative Area

Question: Councillor D. McGuinness

“To ask the Manager to outline plans to address the issue of under supply of grave spaces in Fingal County Council’s administrative area?”

Reply:

The following table shows the availability of plots in the burial grounds in the Fingal administrative area, as at 1^st December 2010 -

It is not considered that there is an under-supply of grave spaces in the Fingal area and with the exception of the development of a new burial ground at Flemington, Balbriggan, Phase 1 of which will provide approx 200 plots, it is not currently proposed to develop any other new cemeteries at this time.

The current economic climate and the difficult budgetary situation facing local authorities mean that no finance is available to purchase a site on which a burial ground could be provided.

Further plots are due to be developed at Fingal Cemetery (approx 400 plots) by March 2011 and works have already commenced on the extension to Mulhuddart Burial Ground (approx 1,000 plots).

In addition to this there is the potential to develop further plots as follows;-

Burial Ground      Development of Plots

(Approx)

Balgriffin                   120

Balrothery Ext          400

Balscadden                   200

Garristown                   100

Naul                    80

It should also be noted that on average 3 interments can take place in each burial plot.