Renewed call for community cemetery as Department rules out extension in Annaghdown

Galway Bay fm newsroom – There is a renewed call to move forward with plans to develop a new community cemetery in Annaghdown, following confirmation from the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht that the current cemetery cannot be extended.
At a meeting with Heritage Minister Heather Humphries last evening, the local action committee was again advised that the preferred site adjacent to the cemetery is not suitable due to its protected status.
The meeting was also attended by Gaeltacht Minister Sean Kyne and OPW Minister Sean Canney.
To date, nine sites have been examined.
A further site located across the road will now be investigated.
A team of senior archaeologists from the department along with the National Monuments Service visited the site this week.
Last week, a public meeting voted overwhelmingly to establish a charitable company, limited by guarantee which would have responsibility for a new cemetery.
Councillor James Charity says this idea must now be explored following yesterday’s meeting with the department.