Proposal for massive Kildare cemetery approved

The possibility of Bodenstown’s most famous resident Wolfe Tone getting nearly 1,500 new neighbours is still on for at least another year after the developer in question was given a further extension on his original 2018 permission to extend the cemetery.

Developers Judy and Seamus McCarthy trading as Amendoeira Developments Ltd out of Weir House in Clane began their expansion on Bodenstown Cemetery back in 2017, which was first granted permission in August 2018.

Now they have successfully extended their permission for the 1.52Ha (3.8ac) site for a second time last week.

The original plan has changed little, with the company seeking to provide 1,448 grave sites at this location, as well as 30 new car parking spaces, a new vehicular entrance, and pedestrian access from the western boundary wall of the 14th century Bodenstown Churchyard.

The planning section at Kildare County Council “is satisfied development has commenced … and substantial works have already been carried out”.

It was this latter clause they were more concerned about, but are now “satisfied the development will be completed in reasonable time”.

The planner was able to see for himself how much work was done when he went on his official visit to the location in October, and this development can now continue until at least 29 September, 2025.

This extension should serve the locality for the next 25-30 years or more, as there are 32 active cemeteries in Kildare with an average death toll in the county each year of around 1,200.