Bid to axe plans for 2,000-plot cemetery

Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council has already granted approval for the scheme, which would see the development of a graveyard, an angel plot, a reflection pavilion and remembrance walls.

But the decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala with the aim of ensuring it doesn't go ahead.

The appeals board rejected a similar proposal in 2011, although this included provision for a crematorium.

In the latest proposal, developer Michael Cotter has submitted plans for a cemetery park in Kilternan, a village in the mountain foothills.

It would comprise of more than 2,000 graves, a 163-grave angel plot and a garden reflection pavilion of a maximum height of 3.7m on a 3.51 hectare site on the Ballycorus Road.

Dozens of submissions were lodged, with one objection branding the project "absurd".

The resident complained: "The traffic congestion of the Old Wesley/Lansdowne ground on Ballycorus Road on weekends is clear evidence of the sort of disruption which would now be seven days a week with a cemetery."

But many expressed support for the plan. One Glencullen householder wrote: "This appears to be a very well thought-out and attractive community facility which is very badly needed in this area."

BOOST

Another supporter stated: "This development will be a welcome boost for local trade and employment".

But the Kilternan and Glenamuck Residents Association argued it would "entail massive ground works, clearance of natural cover, hedgerows and mature trees" and so would destroy the "essential to numerous species important both locally and nationally".

comurphy@herald.ie