Limerick City and County Council Cemetery Bye-Laws Review 2025

Introduction

Legislation / Regulations

While the Department of Rural and Community Development has responsibility for policy and legislation in relation to local authority burial grounds, the actual operation of burial grounds (cemeteries) is the responsibility of the local authorities.

The three pieces of legislation which give responsibility to the local authorities are listed below:

• Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1878 (Part III)
• Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948
• Local Government Act, 1994

The main rules for burial grounds are set out in the Rules and Regulations for the Regulation of Burial Grounds 1888 and amendments made to these rules in 1919, 1929 and 2013.

Furthermore, under the Local Government Act, 2001 (as amended), Limerick City and County Council has the power to make bye-laws regulating the management of cemeteries. 

(Please click on hyperlinks above should you wish to view the relevant legislation)

Limerick City and County Council Cemetery Bye-laws

The current bye-laws date from 2015, and now need to be reviewed in the context of Limerick City and County Council’s Burial Ground Strategy, and current developments and issues arising.

The rights and responsibilities of all key stakeholders are to be reviewed, with a view to attaining clarity for all.

Our objectives for this review are:

• To engage all stakeholders in reviewing the current bye-laws, and contributing to the formulation of a document which will be fit for purpose for the coming five years
• To clarify that the current bye-laws may only be amended in line with legislation and regulations
• Provide information to stakeholders outlining the current key provisions of the bye-laws
• To record the feedback and contributions of stakeholders
• To formulate and circulate an initial draft of bye-laws for further feedback
• To present Draft Bye-laws for ratification by Limerick City and County Council

How to Complete your submission

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