Councillors give go-ahead for new burial ground

Members of Castlebar Municipal District have approved the development of a new burial ground at Mayo Abbey, to include a new entrance, access roadway, parking spaces, boundary treatment, internal footpaths and landscaping. 

Mayo County Council's senior planner John McMyler told last week's meeting of councillors that the development would comply with proper planning and sustainable development and facilitate new or extended burial grounds and crematoria. 

Cllr Cyril Burke welcomed the project, saying: “I want to thank the council for all the efforts they made in securing this piece of ground. I know they were looking for a long time and looked at several plots that didn’t work out but this is probably the most ideal one because when remains are being removed, all cars and traffic can stay at the church so that people can actually walk to the burial grounds. 

"I thank owner Seamus Hughes for engaging with the council and parish development commitment on the purchase of the land. Thanks to all for all the work and l look forward to the new burial ground.” 

Cathaoirleach Cllr Donna Sheridan agreed, adding: “This is a huge and ambitious project that needed to be done so it is fantastic news for Mayo Abbey.”