Green light finally for Killarney burial ground

AN BORD PLEANÁLA has given the green light for the acquistion of a new burial ground that is expected to meet demand in Killarney for the next 35 years.

The land at Knockeenduff, Kilcummin, will provide 2,300 extra plots, including a car-park. It was originally owned by three separate landowners. Kerry County Council had published a CPO which was objected to by one landowner and appealed to An Bord Pleanála, resulting in an oral hearing.

The appeals board ruled that the acquisition of land for a graveyard was ‘necessary to Killarney’ as it has a population of approximately 14,000 and between 90 and 110 bereavements annually and so the objection could not be sustained.

The news has been widely welcomed in Killarney but Cllr Donal Grady slammed the decision, stating that Killarney’s deceased have traditionally been buried in Aghadoe.

“This graveyard is in the wrong place and it is a decision that has taken away a piece of Killarney’s history,” he said. “We had the option of buying a private burial ground in Aghadoe and making it into a public one.”

The Ardshanavooley councillor said that the final decision was made by people not from the town. “It would have meant a lot more to the people of Killarney had we taken over ground in Aghadoe,” he added.

However, Cllr Michael Gleeson welcomed the decision. “Hopefully the council will proceed with the development as soon as possible. This decision will eliminate the issue of parking which has been a major problem in Aghadoe. I’m very welcoming of this development, as I feel are the vast majority of people,” said Cllr Gleeson.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Kerry County Council said the cost of the grounds remains undetermined.