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Grieving family's distress over plots

Thursday, 10 July 2008

A Northside family has spoken of its frustration in trying to get clarification on the burial capacity of plots they purchased at Glasnevin Cemetery.
The family claims that their original understanding of the capacity of the plots has changed since they paid for them.
They fear that this will leave two of their loved ones without a grave.
The Farrell family bought two plots in the graveyard and set aside a neighbouring plot, thinking all three plots had the capacity to hold three coffins each.
“When we bought the plots over 10 years ago we were told they had the capacity to hold three people each which meant that our whole family of nine could be buried together,” John Farrell explained.
“Recently the cemetery came back to us saying the plots only had the capacity to hold seven people. They said two of the plots can only hold two people.
“This only came to light when we recently buried my father. I don’t know why or how this could be changed.”
According to John, as a result, two of their loved ones can not now be buried with the rest of the family.
“I set my plot aside for myself, my wife and my son but now only two of us can be buried together.
“Also, one of my sisters will not be able to be buried with the rest of us.”

According to John’s sister, Christine Reddin, the family has contacted the cemetery a number of times to find some answers.
“We have been given conflicting information from at least four people at Glasnevin Cemetery,” she told Northside People.
John and Christine’s mother called on Glasnevin Cemetery to clarify the situation.
“This is terribly distressing for my family and I,” she said.
“I’m trying to come to terms with the recent loss of my husband and now I have to deal with all this.
“We just want to know the truth.”
Speaking on behalf of Glasnevin Cemetery, the Dublin Cemeteries Committee clarified its position on the matter.
“It is our policy to never guarantee the number of burials per grave,” it was stated.
“While we understand that this may be a cause of concern, this is due to the number of external circumstances, which are regrettably beyond our control.
“These include: the requirement under the Sanitary Services Act to bury at least one metre below ground surface; the length of time between burials in the grave and in graves alongside; encroachment from adjoining graves; size of coffin used in previous burials; sequence of coffins in adjoining graves; the soil type in the location of the grave; and the weather conditions when opening the grave.”
The spokesperson added:
“It is often the case that multiple burials can take place in a grave but unfortunately it is beyond the capabilities of Dublin Cemeteries Committee to guarantee this in advance.”

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