The first sod has been cut on a new graveyard for the Derry area as space in the City Cemetery begins to run out.
The new site, on the outskirts of the city on the Mullenan Road near the border with Co Donegal, will provide another 3,500 burial plots as well as a memorial garden and other facilities.
The first sod was cut by the Mayor, Lillian Barr, alongside council officials and contractors earlier this week.
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A council spokesperson said: "As well as main access to the site from Mullenan Road, the cemetery will be linked to the city via a new footway to Balloughry Road, which will facilitate a pedestrian and cycling connection to the greenway stretch know as ‘The Line’, subject to land acquisition.
"Much work has gone into selecting and assessing a suitable location for the new cemetery as space at the City Cemetery nears full capacity. It is envisaged that the new cemetery will facilitate up to 20 years burial capacity with the potential for further expansion on to adjoining lands."
The council spokesperson continued: "Full planning permission was granted for the development of the site in September 2024, and the company behind the delivery of the £3.73m contract is E Quinn Civils Ltd, from Pomeroy Co. Tyrone. Ground works are now on site and it is anticipated that the first phase of the development of the overall site will take approximately a year to complete."
The statement added: "The overall cemetery facility will be developed on a phased basis with a view to the first interments taking place at the conclusion of the first phase of development, but the plans can accommodate burials sooner than this if required. "
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