PLANS for the development of a private graveyard in Monaleen have been appealed to An Bord Pleanála, signalling further delays for the proposed 3,000-plot site.
The project was given approval by Limerick City and County Council last month, which would see a proposed burial ground developed on a former pitch and putt site in the city suburb.
Now, locals have appealed the Council’s planning decision on the burial ground to the appeals board, citing a number of concerns, with 12 residents lodging their issues with An Bord Pleanála (ABP).
Residents cited an increase in traffic in the already-busy area as one of their main concerns, saying that there are three schools in the direct vicinity of the proposed burial ground, including the “largest primary school in Munster” with pick-up times ranging from 11.45am and 3.40pm – allegedly coinciding with the times that funerals would be taking place on the site.
Locals also had concerns about the effects of formaldehyde on the soil as a result of the burial ground – citing the chemical as a common ingredient of embalming fluid and saying that “the risks of this entering the water table are far too high for surrounding residents”.
Among the chief concerns for residents is the risk of increased anti-social behaviour, with previous objections fearing that the burial ground may lead to rampant drug-taking, bare-knuckle boxing, partying, public sex, and stabbings on the site.
An Bord Pleanála have set a date of January 15, 2025 to have further on the appeal.
