The difficulties with the expansion of Annaghdown Cemetery will be examined at a meeting next week between the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Departmental officials, Galway West Oireachtas members and representatives of the Cemetery committee.
The meeting has been arranged by Galway West/Mayo South Fine Gael TD Seán Kyne and will take place on Wednesday in the Minister’s office on Kildare Street in Dublin.
The meeting will explore the possibility of using part of the land surrounding Annaghdown Abbey which is adjacent to the Cemetery. Annaghdown Abbey – sometimes referred to as Annaghdown Priory – was built in the 12th century and along with Annaghdown Cathedral, which was built in the 15th century, are designated as national monuments.
Deputy Kyne said that the issue of expanding Annaghdown Cemetery is complicated by the proximity of the national monument of Annaghdown Abbey. As a national monument the Abbey is governed by the National Monuments Acts of 1930 and 2004 for which the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is the relevant minister.
“Specifically, section 14 of the 2004 Act gives discretionary powers to the minister over national monuments. Such powers include disposal, selling or transferring of lands.
He said that he is hopeful that the meeting with Minister Humphreys and her officials will help examine whether it is possible to use a portion of the nearby land for the expansion of the cemetery and provide clarity on this important issue for the communities.
