Columbarium walls installation could be on the way to Kildare cemetery

Columbarium walls have been proposed for St Conleth’s Cemetery in Newbridge.

A columbarium wall is a type of wall with a number of recessed niches, which are used to hold cremation urns.

A presentation on the proposed development was delivered by Colm Flynn to councillors present at the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which was held on Wednesday, January 17 last.

Drawings of the work were shown to the councillors, wich showed three benches for visitors surrounded by columbarium walls.

It was also shown that separate columbarium wall projects have been proposed for Confey Cemetery in Leixlip and St Michael's Cemetery in Athy.

Another one is also due for Monasterevin.

Mr Flynn said that the specific area in the graveyard was chosen because it is a high-ground area, and that Kildare County Council (KCC) would also improve the footpaths around it.

He added that cremation has become more popular over the years, and pointed to two examples of other columbarium walls in Kildare: one in Rathangan, and on in Laraghbryan.

Commenting on the columbarium wall in Laraghbryan in particular, Mr Flynn said: "We (KCC) have learned a lot about the construction and financial process through the Laraghbryan columbarium wall project."

He told councillors that he estimated that the Newbridge project would cost around €45,000.

"Ideally, we are hoping for the project to go to tender in February," Mr Flynn added.

When the floor was opened to questions and comments, Fine Gael Cllr Peggy O’Dwyer asked Mr Flynn about the height of the wall, 'in relation to the boundary wall.'

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She also enquired about the proposed development’s location, and whether it would be in close proximity to the deceased babies and children internment area.

In response, Mr Flynn replied that each wall would be 2.2 metres in height, and that the development 'would be a significant distance away from the boundary wall.'

He also assured Cllr O’Dwyer that they are treating the development 'in a sensitive manner.'

Sinn Féin Cllr Noel Connolly asked Mr Flynn how many urns would fit in each recess in the wall, Mr Flynn replied that four urns could fit.

Cllr Connolly also asked when the columbarium wall for Monasterevin is due, as he had submitted a motion on it previously.

Mr Flynn said that the development for Monasterevin is due next year.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Noel Heavey also offered his thoughts on the matter: "Cremation is an increasing trend, and we all die, so I think we need to develop policies on this."

He added: "Will the remains be above ground forever and ever? I don’t mean to sound flippant, but it is a question to the be considered.

Cllr Heavey also said: “St Conleth’s Cemetery has limited space, so cemetery plots should be sold as single-plots, not double-plots.”

A representative for KCC responded: "We do sell single plots, and where space is limited, we only sell single-plots."

The representative also said that, in relation to the policy suggestion raised by Cllr Heavey, 'this could be raised with the Strategic Policy Committee.'