FINE Gael councillor Sarah Kiely called for consideration to be given for the provision of columbarium structures in council-owned burial grounds to accommodate for the growing popularity of cremation amongst people in Limerick.
Speaking at Monday’s full meeting of Limerick City and County Council (LCCC), Cllr Kiely was of the view that the ceremony and practice around Irish funerals is something recognised the world over.
“Our rituals are rooted in our history and are part of who we are,” she told council members.
“The respect shown to the person who has died as well as their families is uniquely Irish and is something that brings comfort when grieving. We will all lose someone at some point in our lives and will take part in the process of planning a funeral,” she said.
“With the dwindling numbers of ordained priests, the way Irish funerals are done is changing. For many, this has presented a different way to honour the deceased.”
According to the City East representative, cremation is on the rise in Limerick. In the LCCC Burial Strategy, figures for 2019 show 15 per of deceased in Limerick were cremated.
“From speaking to people in Limerick, many would like the choice to use a columbarium wall or garden to inter their own ashes or that of a loved one. Speaking from experience, it would give great comfort to people if they can purchase a niche for ashes in Mount St Laurence to be near family and be in the city,” she suggested.
And while this move is in LCCC’s burial strategy, Cllr Kiely was of the opinion that there is no timeline set out.
“Choice is very important in all aspects of life and indeed death, planning ahead is crucial, and again, from previous experience, it is a kindness, a gift, something that will make the pain a little easier to come to terms with if your wishes are known.
“It would be prudent for this council to move on this in 2024 and make it the aim to have this completed within 12 months. It has space-saving benefits as well as financial benefits for all concerned.
“We are seen as a progressive society and this step will add to our cemeteries, it will add a different way of doing things alongside our traditions and give choice to our citizens.”
In 2021, according to the council’s Burial Strategy, there was six years of capacity left in Mount St Laurence. Cllr Kiely believes the provision of columbarium walls would significantly increase the capacity and ensure people can plan ahead and have their final resting place with their families.
