Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2024
1329. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps he proposes to guarantee unimpeded rights of access to local authority-owned graveyards (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44141/24]
View answerMy Department has legislative responsibility for burial grounds, however the actual operation of burial grounds (graveyards) is the responsibility of the local authorities.
Under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts, 1878 to 2001, local authorities are deemed to be burial boards for their respective functional areas. Acting in their capacity as burial boards, local authorities are responsible for the management, regulation and control of burial grounds in their functional areas.
Local authorities also have powers to make bye-laws in relation to burial grounds.
Accordingly, my Department has no role in relation to this matter.
