Councillors told of proposal for second Carnmoney cemetery during crematorium usage figures update
There were 1,407 cremations at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s crematorium during 2025, the latest figures show.
Of these, 491 cremations were residents and 916 non-residents. The figures were detailed in a bereavement services quarterly update presented behind closed doors to last month’s meeting of the council’s Operations Committee.
The highest number in one month took place in January of last year when there were 143 overall.
The committee report said: “Based on current usage levels, residents accounted for approximately 34.9% of all cremations undertaken at the crematorium, while non-residents represented the remaining 65.1% of overall cremations.”
The council-owned crematorium opened at Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, in June 2023, at a cost of £5m.
Minutes of the meeting said the council’s head of parks operations is examining the possibility of covering the walkway at the exit of the crematorium. He also agreed to review parking and to advise committee members of options to increase car parking capacity.
He indicated he would report back with regard to a timeline for the business case in relation to the proposed Carnmoney South cemetery in Newtownabbey.
It was noted that ground surveys were being commissioned to “inform and support the progression of an outline business case” to the borough council.
There are no new burial plots available at Carnmoney Cemetery in Newtownabbey but 42 plots remain for burial of ashes in its garden of remembrance.
Councillors were also told preparatory work for the garden of remembrance at Sixmile Cemetery, in Antrim, was “progressing as planned” with design concepts now developed.
It was noted the project “remained on schedule” with construction expected to commence this spring.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter