Planning permission granted for extension of Drumcliffe Cemetery

Clare County Council has received approval to carry out upgrade works and to extend Drumcliffe Cemetery on the outskirts of Ennis.

The local authority had sought permission from An Bord Pleanála to add 350 double plots to the existing cemetery and the plan also includes provision for ash plots.

"The development proposes to extend the existing burial ground in order to accommodate the Ennis Community. The development will also involve the construction of internal roads, footpaths and shared surfaces," states a report prepared by consultants on behalf of the council.

The project will also see access roads being upgraded to include the installation of lay-bys, a turning circle and traffic calming measures. Parking, drainage and footpaths will also be improved and there will be additional planting and landscaping.

A Columbarium wall and 'Reflectance Garden' are also a feature of the project which will be located on a 1.8 hectare greenfield site.

In her report for An Bord Pleanála, planning inspector Karla Mc Bride noted there was one submission from a local resident who expressed concerns about the impact of the development - including an increase in anti-social behaviour due to the increased number of visitors to the cemetery.

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However, in recommending that the works be approved she stated: "The proposed development would not have significant negative effects on the environment or the community in the vicinity, would not give rise to a risk of pollution, would not be detrimental to the visual or landscape amenities of the area, would not seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity, would not adversely impact on the cultural, archaeological and built heritage of the area and would not interfere with the existing land uses in the area, or give rise to a traffic hazard."

A number of technical conditions have been imposed on Clare County Council as part of the planning permission.