A new crematorium is being considered for the borough.
While very early days, a feasibility study is expected to be carried out as part of a wider review of cemetery services.
This would also look at the potential for extensions to some of the local cemeteries currently operated by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
The Orchard Cemetery at Richhill – which opened in the 1990s – is one of those which, it is recognised, is in need of additional space to continue to meet local need.
What is described as “preliminary works” have already been undertaken in relation to Richhill, together with Lurgan and Dromore, to “inform potential extensions”.
ABC Council currently has 15 cemeteries under its care, some of which are in need of additional capacity. Many local churches are also experiencing difficulties.
And with that, the council is mindful that preparations must be made for the future.
Armagh I understands that the potential for a new crematorium is being supported in some quarters, with a study to explore options expected to be carried out.
Such a facility – one of a very small number in Northern Ireland – has the potential to reduce demand for cemetery space.
Sources indicate that if a feasibility study proved it to be a viable option, a scoping exercise would be required to consider exactly where within the borough it might be located.
Cost and operational issues are also factors which would need to be looked at before agreeing to proceed.
If it does eventually go ahead, it would be the first crematorium in Northern Ireland located outside the greater Belfast area.
ABC Council is in the process of drawing up a cemetery strategy for the borough.
According to a report to council’s environmental services committee, a draft strategy has “examined the demographic profile in the borough and the facilities available”.
The consultant who undertook the work has also reviewed a revised cemetery management rules and regulations for the borough, at the same time considering “data management, health and safety, maintenance regimes and memorial safety testing whilst considering future demands and needs”.
It was suggested as part of the recommendations within the cemetery review that there be “increased engagement with key stakeholders” regarding the delivery of the cemetery service under the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council jurisdiction.
A four-week consultation will launch shortly to give the “public and key service-users” the chance to comment on both draft cemetery strategy and draft management rules and regulations.
An online survey will run through Citizenspace, from Monday, March 16 until Monday, April 13.
A ‘drop-in’ session will also be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18, with exact details to be confirmed.
Councillors, clergy, funeral directors, monumental masons and the public will be invited to call in to speak with officers regarding “proposed changes within the service and to provide their feedback” on the way ahead at that time.
