New Kildare cemetery charges up to €12k for grave plot
The Wolfe Tone Private Cemetery, adjacent to Bodenstown Graveyard, is described as an ‘exclusive private development’ with around 1,400 plots available
“AS a general rule I find the blatant commercialisation of any of our historic monuments to be a bit crass and tasteless, but I do have to say that pricing burial plots based on their proximity to one of our greatest heroes is quite astounding.”
So said Aontú party leader Deputy Peadar Tóibín, speaking in recent days concerning the Wolfe Tone Private Cemetery, adjacent to Bodenstown Graveyard (the resting place of Irish revolutionary Theobald Wolfe Tone).
It’s described as an ‘exclusive private development’ with around 1,400 plots available. A pre-open sale is running until 31 July. According to its website, the cemetery will cater for all denominations and customers will have the option of four varying priced plot sites, ‘graded by proximity’ to Wolfe Tone.
Deputy Tóibín said local authorities who give permission for the development of private facilities or structures adjoining any of Ireland’s treasured historic monuments should stipulate that there is a strong demarcation between locations to ensure private developers cannot use the legacy of the existing site.
“I am a realist and I understand the free market but Bodenstown is a sacred space, apart from being of huge historical significance, and I must say that I find that a massive billboard advertising ‘platinum’, ‘gold’, ‘premium’ and ‘standard’ plots to be unsavoury, and while they say ‘death is the great leveller’ it seems that not all deaths are indeed equal as these plots are priced from €5,000 ex VAT and going all the way up to over €12,000,” Deputy Tóibín said.
“I am of the view that burial plots should, where possible, be provided by local authorities as private companies will be able to charge exorbitant prices. As it is, a plot in a cemetery run by Kildare Co Council costs in and around €1,200 which is a far more realistic price.
“A new cemetery is indeed to be welcomed at Bodenstown as it is much needed and the new allocation of car parking spaces is very necessary, but I do believe the new cemetery should be owned and run by the local authority and not by a private company whose business it is to make a profit, and who is driven by commercial interest.” The Wolfe Tone Private Cemetery has been contacted for comment.
Born in 1763, Wolfe Tone studied law and in 1791 helped to found the Society of United Irishmen which sought Roman Catholic emancipation. He led a French military force to Ireland during the 1798 rebellion and was subsequently captured and put on trial in Dublin.
His father Peter was born in Bodenstown. Wolfe Tone died on 19 November 1798 at the age of 35 and was buried in Bodenstown graveyard.
