Positive progress on Trim’s new 2,400-plot burial ground

The Chief Executive report on the proposed new burial ground for Trim on the Rathnally Road has recommended that the development proceed.

The plans for new graveyard which includes 2,400 burial plots, a car park for 101 cars and a caretakers building, at Loganstown, Newtown, Littlerath, Kiltoome and Peterstown, Trim, as well as the upgrading of the Rathnally Road, were on public display from 5th September to 4th October with two submissions received.

The subsequent chief executive's report was presented to councillors at their monthly meeting on Friday and a six week period now follows when councillors can make their submissions on the report.

During the public consultation period, two submissions were received on the plans. One raised concerns about the lack of consultation and said that they weren't against the development but the infrastructure proposed along the route. The submission felt that widening the route would have a negative impact on the rural road, and raised concerns about potential damage to trees. The submission also felt that car park is inadequate and feared that people will park on the road. Concerns about light intrusion and the need to lower the speed limit were also raised.

The second submission raised concerns about widening the road, the destruction to natural habitats, loss of bat nests, light pollution, that safety and privacy would be compromised, and concerns about the effect the increase in traffic would have on farm traffic.

The burial ground development includes 2,400 single burial plots, a garden of remembrance and columbarium walls for the interment of urns, internal access roads and footpaths to accommodate vehicular access and walking access aisles, an access road with a general cross section of 12 metres incorporating a 2m grass verge and a 2m footpath with low level lighting, a new entrance from the Loganstown/Rathnally Road, with gates and railings, a car park with 101 spaces with public lighting, a caretakers office/canteen and toilet facilities.

It also includes the upgrading of the local road to incorporate a 2m wide footpath with public lighting, road widening and drainage from 600 metres from the burial ground to the junction of the Navan-Trim R161 Regional Road.

Responding to the issues raised in submissions, the Chief Executive report said that hedgerows and trees would only be removed from the front of the burial ground and no trees or hedgerows will be removed from the access route. If any unsafe trees require removal, they would consult a tree surgeon.

Regarding lighting, the report said lighting will only be turned on in the evenings and will be turned off at night when the burial ground is closed. It said the lighting on the public road would be designed to European standards utilising best available technology to ensure energy efficiency and to ensure areas will not be overilluminated.

The report noted that the predicted traffic would be minimal the majority of the time apart from annual blessings or funerals, also said the car park of 101 cars was significant compared to most graveyards.

Regarding reducing the speed limit, it said the option is open to the Transportation Department to have the speed limit reviewed if speeding becomes an issue.

Cathaoirleach Joe Fox said it was great to see the plans for the new graveyard get to this stage, adding that the present burial ground was almost full with other councillors also welcoming progress on it.