Southway lands eyed for 1,000 new graves

The land is located at Southway, directly below Kildrum Gardens in Creggan.

Derry & Strabane Council says it is currently considering extending burial capacity at the City Cemetery - which it owns - by purchasing the largely wooded site at Southway.

It’s understood this extension would allow space for an extra 1,000 graves - providing an estimated further five year capacity for new openings at the City Cemetery site.

Council says there are currently more than 77,000 people buried in the City Cemetery, with just under four hundred plots remaining.

This allows for a maximum of just over three years for new graves.

Burials in existing plots, says Council, are expected to continue well into the future.

Long-term, it’s understood Council is planning to develop a new municipal cemetery within the wider Cityside area. It’s understood a location at Killea, on the outskirts of the city, has been identified.

Key to the Southway plan is the purchase of the lands from the Woodland Trust - the largest woodland conservation charity in the United Kingdom.

It’s understood Council plans to develop a Biodiversity Management Plan for the area that would manage and enhance the existing wildlife, fauna and flora.

Local residents were recently invited to participate in an online consultation during which they had an opportunity to view draft proposals and drawings.

Local councillor, Sinn Féin’s Patricia Logue, says the issue of space at the City Cemetery has now reached a “critical point”.

She added: “It is vital that we find solutions to address our current capacity for burial grounds for next ten to twenty years.

“One of the options is expanding out into the vast space on Southway.

“It is important that we fully consult with all residents in the area who may be impacted by any expansion. We must also look at all aspects of road safety as this is one of the main arterial routes in the city.”