Online mapping application on way for local cemeteries

There was a warm welcome from members of Athlone Municipal District to the news that the council is proposing to launch a new online mapping application for local cemeteries, in a bid to help people to locate family plots.

A sign alerting visitors to the online system could be erected at each cemetery, the local authority said, adding that they would hope to have a report on the project's progress by the autumn.

Welcoming the response, Cllr Frankie Keena, who first raised the issue in a motion calling for an information board in both Coosan and Cornamagh cemeteries, later added in Dunegan and Castledaly.

He explained that the issue was raised with him by family members, who have outlined the difficulties in say, Coosan, where it can be hard to find a plot walking or in a car.

Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, the Deputy Mayor, who was chairing the meeting in the absence of Cllr Liam McDaniel, remarked it was a very good suggestion, given the interest in ancestry, and the fact our cemeteries are vast pieces of ground which can be hard to navigate.

A bit taken aback by the autumn timeline for a report on the issue, he recalled reading about a company who do this work and the council should get in touch.

Fine Gael's John Dolan commended what he described as a very good motion, saying that fact it would be online would mean it's easier to update. While, he too was concerned by the timeline suggested, he promised to engage with the group in Castledaly on the issue.

As Chairperson of St Owen's Historical Graveyard group, Cllr Vinny McCormack (FF) recalled an exercise in Ballymore where the historic graves, some dating back as far as the 17th century, in the entire graveyard were mapped in recent years. “It's important information to have now, but also for families in the future,” he commented.

Noting the remarks on the timeline, Director of Services Barry Kehoe reminded members that it will be a “significant process” to compile the information on the burials with the maps to ensure it is accurate.

They will also have identify a system that works and put it all together.

Asked about the costs and if the implications for the budget by Cllr Frankie Keena, he responded to say he is not concerned about the cost which shouldn't be significant, and there is a budget is there for cemeteries.

In the interim, Mr Kehoe reminded members that the caretakers in the bigger cemeteries are supportive and will engage with people who are looking for a particular grave.

In a written reply to Cllr Keena's motion, the council stated: It is acknowledged that it can be difficult to find a particular plot, especially in our larger cemeteries.

“It is proposed that an online application would be researched and identified, which would allow people to search for plots associated with a family name or year of internment. A report on progress can be given to members in the Autumn. A sign alerting visitors to the online system could be erected at each cemetery.”