Cemeteries decision welcomed

A Portadown councillor and grieving mother, has welcomed the news cemeteries across Northern Ireland have reopened.
Kernan Cemetery. INPT32-230.Kernan Cemetery. INPT32-230.
Kernan Cemetery. INPT32-230.

As a result of COVID-19 lockdown measures, cemeteries were closed to the public in March. However, on Friday, April 24th the legislation was changed.

Now, cemeteries operated by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils are allowed to open, provided they implement measures to ensure social distancing.

Reflecting on the announcement, Ulster Unionist Party councillor, Julie Flaherty, who lost her two-year-old son in 2013 said: “The fact the Executive has listened to grieving families and shown compassion on this issue will be greeted with relief by many people, myself included.

“You all know by now, that I know from personal, painful experience just how important it is to be able to visit the resting place of a loved one in order to gain a degree of peace and solace.

“Reopening graveyards is not just a compassionate decision, it is the right decision.

The Portadown councillor also urged those attending graveyards to follow the strict social distancing guidelines in place.

“This should not be viewed as a sign of complacency – this was just the right thing to do at the right time,” said Cllr Flaherty. “There is still strict guidances in place. Social distancing is vital now in every aspect of our lives.

“The NI Executive guidance remains in place for funerals so please be aware that when a funeral is taking place the regulations have not changed regarding times and the number of mourners present, the cemetery will be closed for visitors during funerals.

“This should not be a problem – common courtesy, manners and dignity usually prevails when visiting a cemetery at any time for those of us who must.”

Commenting on the decision by the Executive to allow cemeteries to reopen, a spokesperson for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said: “As a council we welcome the announcement by the NI Assembly to change the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations Northern Ireland Act 2020.

“We are acutely aware of the deep sensitivities surrounding the closures; therefore all cemeteries will reopen…with the necessary guidance in place to ensure visitor and staff safety.”

In a statement, the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Mealla Campbell said: “I welcome the decision by the NI Executive to reopen cemeteries.

“This has been a very difficult and emotional time for many people in our community who have lost loved ones. I know this decision will bring some comfort to people who are grieving and have been unable to visit their loved ones place of rest for several weeks.

“All council owned cemeteries will now be opened in line with public health advice and I encourage people to please maintain safe social distancing during this time.”

The Council has advised that during this time, visitors are asked to: follow Public  Health Authority (PHA) advice on social distancing; accommodate funeral services by leaving cemeteries if asked to do so by staff and, be aware that if cemetery gates are locked, during normal opening times, this is due to funeral preparation.

The DUP’s group leader, Councillor Mark Baxter said his party welcome the decision.

“As a party we are glad that the cemeteries are now open,” he said.

“All our council representatives were contacted many times by distressed families who were unable to visit the graves of their loved ones .

“We feel  that social distancing is quite easily achieved within these facilities and on balance it’s a much better position to be in as a local authority to have them open.”

Speaking to the Local Democracry Reporting Service, Sinn Fein MLA John O’Dowd said the party recognises “the comfort visiting the grave of a loved one can bring”.

“The opening of of cemeteries will be permitted where compliance with regulations and social distancing can be adhered to,” said the Upper Bann MLA.

“Sinn Fein recognises the comfort visiting the grave of  loved one can bring. We have listened to the distress of families who have been unable to visit those graves.

“We are not through crisis however, so Sinn Fein continue to ask people to stay at home and to only go out if absolutely necessary.”

Adam Morton , Local Democracy Reporting Service