Board approves cemetery on site of pitch and putt course in Limerick

Several objectors had opposed the 'Monaleen Memorial Park' development, with some claiming the lands should be used for homes given the current housing crisis

Planning conditions imposed by the commission include a limit on the number of burial plots to a maximum of 3,335. File picture: Larry Cummins

Planning permission has been granted for a large new, private burial ground with over 3,300 burial plots on the site of a pitch and putt course on the outskirts of Limerick.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has upheld the decision of Limerick City and County Council to approve a planning application to develop a “memorial park” with 3,335 burial plots on the Monaleen Pitch & Putt Course in Castletroy.

The commission rejected appeals against the council’s ruling by several local residents. Planning permission had been sought for the project by local landowner, Eugene Harrington.

The cemetery, which will be known as “Monaleen Memorial Park”, is to be developed over three phases on a 3.3-hectare site with the first phase consisting of four burial gardens comprising of 1,048 burial plots and Columbarium walls, which are used for the interment of ashes, as well as a single-storey building in a reception plaza to provide staff and toilet facilities.

The second phase will provide another 850 plots with the third and final phase consisting of a further 1,437 plots. The burial ground will also feature new pedestrian walkways, extensive planting, as well as a meditation garden and reflection pool.

Subject to compliance with a number of planning conditions, An Coimisiún Pleanála said the proposed development would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area.

Planning conditions imposed by the commission include a limit on the number of burial plots to a maximum of 3,335 with a maximum height of 2.3 metres for Columbarium walls on the site.

Objections

Plans for the cemetery were the subject of six separate appeals by local residents. 

Several objectors opposed the development of a graveyard in an area close to schools and amenities as inappropriate, with some claiming the lands should be used for housing given the current housing crisis.

They pointed out that planning permission had been refused for similar plans for a cemetery on a nearby site over a decade ago because of its impact on residential amenity and being detrimental to the rural character of the area.

Opponents also raised concerns that the development would create traffic congestion, parking problems and road safety hazards. 

One appellant cited fears about pollution from formaldehyde and other materials and sought assurance that it would be safe to continue to farm their land and grow vegetables.

Consultants for the developer said most of the grounds raised by the appellants were not material consideration to the planning process. They also claimed the principle and need for a burial ground were well established.

Inspector's report

A planning report by an inspector with An Coimisiún Pleanála said existing burial grounds within the area had little or no remaining capacity.

The inspector noted that the council’s Burial Ground and Internment Strategy had earmarked the area as one with a significant population in need of a new burial ground. 

In reply to claims that the lands should be used for housing, the inspector observed that the site is not zoned for residential development.

It is estimated that there will be approximately 222 traditional burials and 225 ash burials in the memorial park each year.