Antrim and Newtownabbey burial capacity more than a decade and half away, council told

Burial capacity in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will not be reached for 16 years, the Policy and Governance Committee has been told.
An image of the proposed Doagh Road crematoriumAn image of the proposed Doagh Road crematorium
An image of the proposed Doagh Road crematorium

No new plots are available at Carnmoney Cemetery, members have also been advised.

There are 903 plots remaining in Ballyclare Cemetery at Doagh Road, 479 at Rashee, also in Ballyclare, 475 in Crumlin and 2,346 at the council’s newest cemetery at Sixmile, at Belmont Road in Antrim.

Meanwhile, there are 131 plots remaining in the Garden of Remembrance for the burial of ashes at Ballyclare Cemetery and 15 at Mallusk which are expected to be sufficient for 30 years.

A review is underway at Carnmoney Cemetery regarding the Garden of Remembrance “due to land conditions”. A report is expected to be presented to the next meeting of the Policy and Governance Committee.

A council spokesperson has stated previously: “In 2019, council was able to provide 264 additional plots at Carnmoney however these have now been used.

“Historically the council has engaged in numerous efforts to secure and purchase additional grounds in the vicinity of the urban part of Newtownabbey without success.”

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council already has outline planning permission for a new £5M crematorium at Doagh Road, Newtownabbey.

The council has taken the decision to progress to the procurement stage.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

Click here to read: Council confirms ‘all available burial plots’ used in Carnmoney Cemetery

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