Burial Grounds

The Burial Ground Policy 2006-2010 which was adopted by the Council in March 2006 focuses on a number of key issues:

• Condition of all Council controlled burial grounds
• Current level of plot space available
• State of buildings/structures in burial ground

The policy identified the following 10 burial grounds which required urgent action:

• Ahamlish (Grange)
• Keelogues (Ballintrillick)
• Knockbrack (Culfadda)
• Carrigans (Maugherow)
• Killery (Ballintogher)
• Court Abbey (Achonry)
• Kilmacowen
• Dromard
• Mount Irwin
• Easkey

It is hoped to commence a programme of works in relation to these burial grounds on a phased basis throughout the life of the policy document. Extensions to Easkey and Keelogues Burial Grounds are now complete. Improvement works were carried out in Carrigans Burial Ground resulting in the provision of extra grave plots. Ministerial consent was granted from the Department for necessary works to be carried out in Knockbrack Burial Ground. Work is ongoing in trying to secure suitable sites for the provision of extensions to burial grounds in Grange, Killery, Kilmacowen, Court Abbey, Dromard and Mount Irwin.

The maintenance and conservation of burial grounds is carried out by Sligo County Council in consultation with the community. The Office of Community and Enterprise promotes the establishment of burial ground committees, the aim being to involve the community in the upkeep and maintenance of the area. Each year, Sligo County Council administers a burial ground grant scheme, to encourage and support these groups to maintain their local cemeteries and enhance their communities. The Council acknowledges the great voluntary efforts of community groups and local burial ground committees involved in care and conservation of these areas. The Council is pursuing this partnership approach throughout the county; with the community taking on more responsibility in the upkeep and maintenance of these places of natural heritage.

COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY GRANT SCHEME 2007

The Community and Voluntary Grant Scheme 2007 attracted 111 valid applications from a wide and varied selection of Community and Voluntary Organisations throughout the County.

The Scheme is divided into three distinct categories:

1. Community and Voluntary General Grant
   Under this heading 46 applications were received and Groups were awarded grants of between €300 and €1,500. The aim of the Scheme is to support and encourage the work and activities of Community and Voluntary Organisations.
   
2. Burial Ground General Grant
   Under this heading 46 applications were received. Grant aid of €475 was awarded to Burial Ground Committees who do excellent work to enhance and maintain their local burial ground.
   
3. Burial Ground Enhancement Works Grant
   Under this heading 19 applications were received and burial ground committees were awarded grant aid of between €475 - €2,000 for enhancement works.