First look at proposal for private cemetery planned for Limerick

THE DEVELOPER behind plans for a new private graveyard in Limerick which could bring more than 3,000 new plots has formally sought planning permission.

Eugene Harrington, who lives beside the site in Monaleen - which was a pitch-and-putt course - has released architectural renders which give an indication as to how it will appear once complete.

In a statement, the developer said the park is designed to provide local families with “thoughtfully landscaped grounds” giving a choice of burial experience which will respect each individual’s own heritage and traditions.

Mr Harrington said he recognised an urgent local need for a new space, with existing burial grounds in East Limerick approaching capacity.

“The manner in which a loved one is laid to rest is deeply personal and there are too few options available to Limerick residents. Each grieving family deserves choice and Monaleen Memorial Park will accommodate both traditional and non-traditional burials,” he said.

The proposed graveyard, he said, has been designed to form enclosures around intimate burial gardens.

This, Mr Harrington hopes, will shield families from torrential rain and potentially being disturbed by another burial near.

“The burial gardens cluster to minimise walking distance between parking, gathering spaces and burial plots, provides a sheltered assembly area for guests awaiting the arrival of a funeral cortege,” he said.

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“The four elements of nature – fire, earth, air and water – are woven into the scheme in the form of wild flower meadows, native and pollinator-friendly trees, reflection pools and flame torches, providing a more holistic ambience, while also supporting the native ecosystem,” added the developer.

This new private ceremony has been compared to similar facilities at Esker Lawn and Kilternan, both in Dublin.

Renowned local architect Deirdre Kelly has been appointed by Mr Harrington for the project.

She has worked on healthcare projects in Limerick for 30 years.

For the past 15 years she's specialised in acute hospital projects with the Irish Hospice Foundation’s Design and Dignity programme.

She said: “When I was approached about this project it resonated deeply with me. I have seen clearly how well-designed spaces, from patient and family rooms to viewing rooms and mortuaries, have significantly improved the quality of end-of-life experiences for both patients and their families. The opportunity to extend this knowledge to the funeral and interment experience of families was a very exciting prospect.”

Mr Harrington added: “As a resident, I understand the significant need for this kind of memorial park. I want to respond to that need and deliver a project that has a positive impact on both the local community and local environment.”