New site pinpointed for cemetery despite council ending talks

A new site offered to the community for free is currently being investigated which may allow locals in Annaghdown to continue to be buried in their village.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is undertaking suitability tests on the plot which is a mile from the current graveyard and outside the archaeologically significant zone which has ruled out at least seven other potential sites.

The offer was made nearly three months ago and a decision on whether the site meets regulations around depth and flooding is expected in the next few weeks, according to the chairperson of the Annaghdown Cemetery Commiittee, Councillor Mary Hoade.

If deemed suitable, the Council could beging the planning process within weeks, which will involve seeking the majority support of councillors through a Part VIII application.

Galway County Council announced earlier this week that negotiations they were holding with two landowners over the purchase of two other sites had concluded without success due to the price demanded.

The Council has steadfastly stuck to its policy of paying agricultural prices for land procured for graveyards around the country with extensions needed for at least 20 at capacity.

Cllr Hoade said she first wrote a letter to the local authority seven years ago asking for them to investigate an extension to the Annaghdown Cemetery as nearly all the grave plots were full.

“We set up a committee three years to work out how to extend the cemetery and so far eight or nine sites have been examined. There have been issues with seven of them as they were within the circle of archaeological significance which means there are planning issues,” explained the Fianna Fáil politician.

“A local landowner has offered a site for free to the community and the HSE are trial testing it and the Council will make a decision after that,” she said.

The Cemetery is located adjacent to Annaghdown Abbey built in the 12th century and Annaghdown Cathedral dating back to the 15th century, which are both designated national monuments.