Council approves columbarium policy

A new policy in relation to the internment of cremated remains in columbaria at graveyards in Mayo has been passed by local councillors.

The new columbarium ash plot policy was approved after being recommended to members of Mayo Co Council by its Strategic Policy Committee for the Environment and Climate Change. 

Cllr Richard Finn queried whether the council would charge people to use the facility if a community raised its own money to build one. Fees of up to €1,700 will be imposed at council-owned columbaria.

Cllr Finn also proposed that any future graveyards and extensions incorporate plans for columbarium walls. 

The council's Director of Services Joanne Grehan replied that where a columbarium comes about from a community effort, then the community will be responsible for taking care of it and no council charges will apply. She also agreed that the proposal to include columbarium walls in future graveyard developments can certainly be considered in forward planning.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.