COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTOWN/FONTHILL AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor Joanna Tuffy

To ask for an update on works to Esker Cemetery including audit of sites suitable for additional grave plots, the feasibility of a wall for ashes, tree maintenance, and if the Council has been updated on plans for the private cemetery development that has planning permission accross the road

REPLY:

Boundary works have been completed at the main entrance to Esker Cemetery. The works included the replacement of the vehicle gates and the restoration of railings on both sides of the set down area. The automation of the vehicle gate from the car park into the cemetery is nearing completion and is expected to be commissioned later in the year. An order has been issued to surface the section of the car park nearest the cemetery and works are expected to be be completed in November.

The lands along the periphery wall beside Beech Park open space have been surveyed for the provision of additional plots. This area was not originally intended for burials however there is scope to facilitate some. A design for the layout of plots is currently being prepared.

The installation of a wall/facility for ashes will be examined and an update on the matter will be circulated to the LPF ACM elected members once it has been completed.

Most of the trees within the cemetery are in the mature category and maintenance generally relates to works which prolong their lifespan. This can include the removal of dead or damage limbs or on occasions the removal of trees which are no longer viable.

Planning permission for the proposed cemetery opposite Cherbury Estate was granted to the Esker Lawn Cemetery Committee following application in 2010 for the development of 3,640 grave spaces.  The development of the cemetery has not commenced, and the applicant applied for and was granted a 5 year extension on the permission which will expire in February 2023.