Proposal to amend columbarium wall rules in Leitrim

Calls have been made to allow small photos on the columbarium wall at St Mary’s Cemetery in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Cllr Maeve Reynolds proposed the motion at a meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District requesting that Leitrim County Council, in consultation with the Graveyard Committee, amend the terms and conditions of the columbarium wall to give families the option of including a small photo of the deceased on the niche plaque.

A columbarium is a structure used for storing funerary urns.

Cllr Reynolds described the columbarium as “a very welcome addition” to the community and emphasised the importance of setting the right terms and conditions.

She noted that she became aware that small photos are not permitted on the plaque and and argued that since photos are allowed on gravestones, they should also be permitted on columbarium plaques.

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“It’s the families wish to put a small photo on the plaque and I propose the terms and conditions are advised that families can have the option if they wish to include a photo,” Cllr Reynolds said.

Cllr Cormac Flynn seconded the motion, stating, “When proper guidelines are included it could easily happen and would be welcomed.”

Cllr Stenson highlighted the growing population of columbarium nationwide, adding, “I can’t imagine how one small picture would be any issue.”

In response, the Roads department confirmed that the new Leitrim County Council Graveyard Policy is being prepared for presentation to the Strategic Policy Committee group for approval and potential amendments. 

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