Burial Grounds

The Burial Ground Policy 2006-2010 which was adopted by the Council in March 2006 focuses on a number of key issues including:

• Condition of all Council controlled burial grounds
• Current level of plot space available
• State of buildings/structures in burial grounds

The policy identified the following 10 burial grounds which required urgent action:

• Ahamlish (Grange)
• Keelogues (Ballintrillick)
• Knockbrack (Culfadda)
• Carrigans (Maugherow)
• Killery (Ballintogher)
• Court Abbey (Achonry)
• Kilmacowen
• Dromard
• Mount Irwin
• Easkey

  
- Reilig Baile an Mhota

It is hoped to commence a programme of works in relation to these burial grounds on a phased basis throughout the life of the policy document. During 2006 progress has been made in the provision of extensions at Keelogues and Easkey.

The maintenance and conservation of burial grounds is carried out by Sligo County Council in consultation with the community. The office of Community and Enterprise promotes the establishment of burial ground committees, the aim being to involve the community in the upkeep and maintenance of the area. Each year, Sligo County Council administers a burial ground grant scheme to encourage and support these groups to maintain their local cemeteries and enhance their communities. The Council acknowledges the great voluntary efforts of community groups and local burial ground committees involved in the care and conservation of these areas. The Council is pursuing this partnership approach throughout the county, with the community taking on more responsibility in the upkeep and maintenance of these places of natural heritage.