Concerns that burial space running out in East Cork as grave plots reach capacity

Concerns have been raised that East Cork could soon run out of burial space as grave plots in a number of cemeteries reach capacity.

With significant population growth projected across the region, councillors have warned that pressure on existing cemeteries is likely to intensify unless Cork County Council identifies new burial ground capacity.

The issue, which was previously raised by members of the Cobh Municipal District, has now been highlighted by councillors in the East Cork Municipal District.

Fine Gael councillor Rory Cocking, who is based in Midleton, said there was no major cemetery with substantial capacity remaining between Little Island and Killeagh.

A meeting of East Cork district was told that available plots are running out across Midleton, Lisgoold, Whitegate, Aghada, Ballymacoda, and Youghal.

Mr Cocking said the council must address the massive population explosion planned for the East Cork area, especially along the commuter rail belt which is designated in the County Development Plan (CDP) for the largest housing growth in the region.

He also said the council needed to plan for a wider range of burial and funeral practices other than Catholic requirements, reflecting the growing diversity of East Cork's population and the increasing number of people from different faith backgrounds living in the region.

Mr Cocking said he had received serious concerns about grave spaces running out from constituents in a number of parishes and from professionals involved in the undertaking business.

“There’s a massive population explosion on the way in this region, and people of all faiths,” he said, adding that the council has a major responsibility to react to this as the Catholic Church, which runs the graveyard in Midleton, is a separate entity.

“Graveyards in the region are being filled up very fast. We need to be addressing this (issue) very quickly,” said Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Mulcahy.

Noreen Brennan, the senior council official in charge of the East Cork region, said the council is conducting a comprehensive countywide audit on current graveyard capacity and future needs for communities.

She said the council’s Community Tourism & Rural Development Unit is finalising this review and will prioritise areas where the need is greatest.

It is expected the results of the review will be finalised in December.