Plot of land sought by council to solve 'grave' problem in Limerick

LIMERICK City and County Council is seeking a site to develop a new burial ground to serve the communities of Murroe and Cappamore.

It comes with the existing cemeteries in these areas now at full capacity.

A council spokesperson says the local authority only has limited land in its portfolio.

READ MORE: 'A secret giver': Limerick locksmith for 60 years had keys to people's hearts

So it is looking to private landowners for help.

In a notice, they have said the site should be around three to five acres in size, and situated within a reasonable distance of Cappamore or Murroe villages.

“The site should have good road access and have acceptable groundwater/geological characteristics,” the council’s notice continued.

“Interested landowners must agree to allow Limerick City and County Council officials and agents to inspect the land and carry out appropriate site investigation, if the site has potential as a cemetery,” the notice reads.

Fianna Fail councillor Martin Ryan, who represents the parishes on the local authority, has welcomed the move.

He said many families - including his - have had to bury relatives outside the area due to lack of space in cemeteries.

“Since the 1970s, Cappamore has been looking for a new graveyard. There’s a big need, there’s been a call for extra cemetery spaces going back a long time now between Cappamore and Murroe. With the growing demographic in our area, it’s something which is badly needed,” said the Cappamore-Kilmallock area councillor.

Any site must be big enough to satisfy the needs of both parishes, he added.

Interested landowners can contact 061-556000 or email cemeteries@limerick.ie before October 10 next.