Talks continue on expanding 'near-full' Coosan cemetery

The council is "pursuing all options" in talks with local landowners regarding an expansion of the near-capacity Coosan cemetery in Athlone.

That was the response given to Cllr Paul Hogan when he asked for an update "regarding purchasing land for the extension of Coosan cemetery" at the June monthly meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District.

Cllr Hogan said anyone who had visited the cemetery recently "can see how close to capacity it is," and that he would like to see land acquisition progressed sooner rather than later in order to facilitate the cemetery's expansion.

"A rushed (land) purchase is not a value-for-money purchase," he remarked.

The Independent Ireland representative also asked local authority officials "what is the anticipated timeframe for when Coosan cemetery will be full?"

Director of Services Jackie Finney said she couldn't provide an exact timeframe, but she acknowledged that the cemetery was "under pressure" and that it was "filling up" at present.

She added that discussions were taking place in relation to the possible acquisition of lands for an expansion of the cemetery.

"Are these lands (being discussed) adjacent to the current cemetery?" asked Cllr Hogan. Ms Finney replied that she didn't want to get into specifics.

"We are pursuing all options and we are in talks with landowners," she said.

The council official added that she would prefer to wait until any possible land acquisition had been finalised before providing more details on the future arrangements.