Cemetery closures kept under review

Flowers placed at the endurance to the City Cemetery which remains closed to the public. DER1720GS - 008

There have been growing calls from across the north, including from some senior politicians, for cemeteries to be reopened, with a protest held outside the locked gates of Derry City Cemetery earlier this week.

Catholic Bishop of Derry Dr Donal McKeown and CoI Bishop of Derry and Raphoe Dr Andrew Forster have also urged the Executive to revisit the issue.

Bishop McKeown, who arranged to bless the graves in the City Cemetery on Easter Sunday after recognising the anguish in the community, said yesterday: “The Assembly may have very valid reasons for keeping them closed, it’s hard to see why without an explanation - Brooke Park is open but the cemetery is closed, and the cemeteries in Burt and across the Republic are open.

“Is there something special in Northern Ireland? If there is we need to hear it.”

Derry & Strabane Ulster Unionist Alderman Darren Guy meanwhile has called for the Executive to allow for controlled opening of cemeteries.

Alderman Guy said: “The closure since Monday March 30 has caused distress to many. At the time, we as elected members found it a difficult decision to have to put into place.

“We realised this would cause widespread distress to many families who seek solace in visiting the graves of their loved ones.

“I would now call for the Executive to reconsider this closure and implement a controlled opening of all cemeteries. I believe this can be done in a way that social distancing can be adhered to at all times within our cemeteries.”

A Department of Health spokesperson said yesterday: “Ministers are united in their concern for those who are bereaved and understand the comfort that a graveside visit brings.

“The restrictions to cemeteries are part of a raft of measures designed to keep people safe during this pandemic. These are kept under close review by the Executive and are subject to advice from health and scientific experts.

“Ministers have given their commitment that they do not wish to delay the lifting of any restriction on cemetery visits unnecessarily and consideration of this matter is ongoing.”