Board refuses plans for first private cemetery

An Bord Pleanála has refused permission to create the first private cemetery in Cork, saying it could endanger the public water supply and create a traffic hazard.

Developer Daithí MacCarthaigh took the case to the planning appeals board last September after Cork County Council refused him permission to develop land he owns in Glanmire into a private cemetery.

Mr MacCarthaigh had received widespread support for the development from the clergy and local residents who were concerned that grave spaces were running out so fast in the Glanmire area that people would soon have no choice but to be buried outside the parish.

The MacCarthaigh family has lived in the area for generations and many of his forebears are buried locally.

Mr MacCarthaigh said he wanted to keep that tradition for local families and that was one of the reasons he lodged plans for a privately-run cemetery.

He had proposed to build the 300-plot graveyard along with a 100-space car park close to Old Christians Rugby Football Club at Rathcooney.

His hopes were dashed when An Bord Pleanála agreed with its inspector’s recommendations to refuse planning permission.

The inspector said vision was restricted in the area and “wasn’t satisfied that the traffic likely to be generated by the proposed development would not endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard”.

Therefore, he said the development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

The inspector added that information supplied in a hydrogeological report did not demonstrate the development would not endanger public health by way of contaminating the water table.

Mr MacCarthaigh yesterday reiterated that he had received a lot of support from locals for his plans. “I admit I’m disappointed by the decision and I’m currently looking at my options,” he said.