Cork to get eco-burial plots in cemetery extension
A burial plot in the Woodbrook Natural Burial Ground in Wexford, marked with a tree. St Catherine's Cemetery will include burial plots similar to this one under new plans. Picture: The Green Graveyard Company.
Ireland’s first publicly owned eco-burial plots are to be developed in Cork city as part of a major extension of an historic cemetery.
City councillors approved the expansion of St Catherine’s Cemetery at Kilcully on Monday night after considering a Part 8 report on the proposal, details of which were first reported by the in 2022.
The cemetery was opened by the city council in 1981, catering for the growing demand for burial plots on the city's northside.
It has about 5,200 standard burial plots and accommodates over 200 burials annually in new or reopened burial plots, but it is expected that all remaining new plots will be used in the next two years.
Councillors have now approved an extension into agricultural grassland west of the existing cemetery, that will connect the existing cemetery with the old Kilcully Church and its small surrounding graveyard, to provide around 2,199 new standard grave burial plots, 880 cremation burial plots, and 312 natural burial plots.
Such eco-burial plots are marked not by concrete surrounds or headstones but by small, simple markers and the planting of a native Irish tree, if requested; some graves go unmarked.
Unlike traditional cemeteries, where plots are laid out in a linear style, eco-graveyard plots are laid out irregularly, linked by winding grassy avenues.
The areas grow to become a living, native Irish woodland and wildflower meadow.
The expansion includes plans to double the number of parking spaces through the provision of 53 new parking spaces, including six disabled parking spaces, and a bike shelter with capacity for up to five bikes.
The stone hedgerow boundary between the extension site and the old Kilcully church graveyard will be retained with a “minimal impact” pedestrian access to the old graveyard from the new car park.
The existing natural hedgerow at the western side of the site and the existing wetland area at the northern end will be retained and enhanced with planting.
The council’s recently approved Kilcully pedestrian safety scheme will connect the cemetery car park east to Kilcully village and beyond.
The scheme was advertised for public consultation last October, with two submissions received via the online portal by the December 4 deadline.
In a report, officials said the proposed extension will cater for future burial demands in the area for the next few decades.
“It will cater for those wishing to have smaller plots to accommodate the interment of ashes in urns," the report said.
“It also provides an opportunity to cater for more environmentally friendly burial options for those who may choose so.
“The additional council storage building with adjoining public toilets and access to water will improve public services available at the cemetery."
