THE ANNUAL Burial Grounds Awards, held this year in Caherconlish, celebrate the valuable contributions of individuals and groups who look after their local graveyards.
Now in its 16th year, the awards took place at The Millennium Centre on October 22, where winners shared in a prize fund of €21,000.
Crecora New Burial Ground were the overall winners in the Modern Category, while Lismakeera Burial Ground took the overall prize in the Ancient category.
Cllr Greg Conway, deputising for Mayor John Moran at the awards ceremony, commented: “While enhancing the quality of life of our residents, we cannot forget about providing dignity, compassion, and grace to those who have left us, and their loved ones.”
- External Walls: Up to €8,000 Grant
- Attic: Up to €1,500 Grant
- Cavity Walls: Up to €1,700 Grant
- Internal Dry Lining: Up to €4,500 Grant
In September this year, the extension of the Reilig Mhuire Ground Extension in Askeaton was officially opened, and is being developed on a phased basis.
Phase One will provide 292 burial plots and 41 ashes plots and, once fully developed, the extension will have the capacity for 1,300 grave spaces and 164 ashes plots.
Columbarium walls in Kilmurry Cemetery are also nearing completion, which are designed to hold cremation urns.
Limerick City and County Council said it is actively assessing “the suitability of potential sites for new cemeteries in the Metropolitan area, in the Adare/Rathkeale municipal district and in the municipal district of Cappamore/Kilmallock”.
Works are also due to commence on columbarium walls in Castlemungret and Adare Cemeteries.
A programme is in place for repairs to 97 ancient structures throughout Limerick – funded by the Community Monuments and Development Funds.