Calls for Mayo's first columbarium wall

Calls have been made for Mayo County Council to install the first columbarium wall in the county.

With cremation increasing in popularity in Ireland as an alternative to burial, columbarium walls are in cemeteries in other counties, with one in Killarney, Co Kerry. While cremated remains can be kept at home by families in urns or scattered in some significant or attractive places, columbarium walls provide family and friends with a long-lasting place to honour their loved ones.

Councillor Richard Finn said Ballindine Graveyard Committee has made representations to him to install a columbarium wall at the cemetery. He says it provides the council with a unique opportunity.

“They are essentially self-financing because it’s essentially where ashes can be locked in its own compartment on a wall. They cost around €20,000,” Cllr Finn said. “It can solve the problem where graveyards are under pressure and you’re trying to buy extra land. After people are cremated, they would also like to have a graveyard ceremony.”