Work on Sligo Cemetery extension to start soon

THE proposed extension to Sligo Cemetery will provide enough grave spaces for the next 17 years approximately.

Independent Councillor Declan Bree noted there was concern that there may not be enough plots in the cemetery to services the community before the planned extension was developed and open.

Cllr Bree asked for an update on the number of plots left in the existing cemetery, the number of plots that will be provided in the new extension and when it was likely to open.

Council officials told Cllr Bree that there are currently 63 new grave plots left - 18 double plots and 27 single plots.

The proposed cemetery extension will deliver up to 1800 traditional grave spaces along with up to 400 niches for cremated remains.

The extension will be developed in phases - Phase 1 is expected to start this Autumn and will include drainage works, a new access road, footpaths, turning areas and will deliver up to 280 grave plots.

SF Cllr Chris MacManus raised reports of anti-social behaviour at the cemetery to which it was agreed that the Council will liaise with Sligo Gardaí and “look at all options” to deal with it.