Should Castleisland Consider a Columbarium Wall for Cremated Remains

Will the rise in popularity of cremation lead to the end of traditional scenes like this in burial grounds throughout the country ? ©Photograph: John Reidy

The question of a Columbarium Wall, to accommodate the increasing amount of people choosing cremation over the traditional burial, needs to be raised in the Castleisland area.

I met three local men before Friday evening’s Padre Pio devotions who felt that the issue of providing Castleisland with the facility should be highlighted in the area.

There was a bit of bother a couple of years ago in Killarney when it was discovered that the building of such a wall cost in the region of €120,000 and that a family slot in the wall was pitched at €1,200.

Laws Overseen by Kerry County Council

There are bye laws overseen by Kerry County Council, in this case, covering inscriptions on columbarium walls or other facilities for cremated remains, will be in accordance with council policy.

Engraving on the memorial plaque will be the responsibility of the purchaser to arrange from a suitably qualified engraver approved by Kerry County Council.

However, prior approval to the proposed inscription must be obtained from Kerry County Council in advance of any work being carried out.

Standard text including name, address, date of birth, date of death and optional phrases will be made available by Kerry County Council for prior approval.

Text and Pictures to be Respectful

A suitably sized picture will be allowed if desired by the family. Inscriptions or pictures other than those with prior agreement by the council will not be allowed and will be removed at a cost to the slot holder.

This is to ensure that all inscriptions are respectful to their surrounding and no offence is caused to the families of those interred.

Who Decides That a Wall is Needed

How does a community like that here in Castleisland arrive at a conclusion that a Columbarium Wall is required here? Will it call for the consideration of a public meeting with even more serious thought given to the costs of construction and the subsequent cost to families of using the slots.

Enquiries can be made directly to the Burial Grounds Office, Maine St, Tralee, Co. Kerry or through your local undertakers. Phone: 066 71 83512 / 066 71 83718. E-mail: burialgrounds@kerrycoco.ie

You can contact The Maine Valley Post on… Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.