This article is from page 11 of the 2009-03-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
THE developers of a €1 million cre- matorium in Shannon are to look for financial support as the economic climate is poised to present major stumbling blocks for their project.
The project has been given the green light by An Bord Pleanala, de- spite objections from local residents and local county councillor Gerry Flynn (Independent). It will be the third crematorium in Ireland, adding to existing facilities in Dublin and Core
The plan – which will include a chapel for 70 people – close to [lau- namanagh cemetery, has been on the cards for three years. Plans were in1- tially lodged in 2006, but were later revised, after queries were raised by county council planners. Its develop- ers, Shannon town councillor Sean Hillery and undertaker Tony McMa- hon, are disappointed that it took so long to achieve planning permission, but are relieved that the permission was granted.
They brought in consultants from the UK – involved in similar schemes worldwide – and an ecologist from Dublin, to assist with their plans.
Mr Hillery said that the developers will have to sit down and go back to Clare County Council, with a view to purchasing or leasing the land, on which to locate the crematorium.
Mr Hillery said the prospect of undertakers getting involved, finan- cially, in the crematorium, is a strong possibility.
“Some undertakers may take more than an interest in the crematorium. I’d say we will probably go down that road to collect money. We always in- tended to go down that road,” he said. He said the current recession “will make it much more difficult” to come up with the money for the project. “If there wasn’t a recession, we wouldn’t have to be selling shares,” he said.
‘“T have had that dream for 20 years and the location is ideal. I’ve been proven correct. The greatest ecolo- gists have come in now and said that.
I’m sorry it took so long, but on the other hand, I’m satisfied their con- cerns have been dealt with,” said Mr Hillery.
‘“Cremating will be much more cost effective than traditional burial,’ he Said.
“The grounds will be nice and secluded. There will be a concrete building and wall of remembrance,” he added.