Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I am sure he is familiar with the issue I have raised tonight, namely, the provision of adequate cemetery space in the Dublin 15 area. The Church of Ireland cemetery in Castleknock village is now closed in respect of those who wish to be buried in the Catholic section. We have an unusual position in Castleknock where the Church of Ireland welcomed all denominations. However, as a result of the closure of that cemetery, there is huge demand for an additional cemetery.

I raised the issue of land for a cemetery when I was a member of Fingal County Council and the then manager, William Soffe, was very sympathetic to the idea. I had hoped, if we both remained on the council, that we would have made further progress on it. Keeping in mind the cost of land in the Dublin 15 area, I have been trying to identify a site on which it would be possible to deliver. I am aware that there is surplus land at Farmleigh and as the land is in State ownership I expect the Minister would be supportive of providing it for such a facility for the people of the area.

I cannot see any other possible areas where we could acquire land for a cemetery for the area. Having regard to the current and forecasted population of the Dublin 15 area, there is significant need for the provision of a new cemetery. I appeal to the Minister of State, as a representative for the area, to support me in this cause. Representatives of all parties should come together to support this proposal.

I suggest that a meeting should be held with all religious leaders in the area in order to open discussion on my proposal. We should work together to secure a cemetery for the area. My belief is that the surplus lands at Farmleigh would be an ideal location for it and I count on the Minister of State as the person with power to bring about for the people of Dublin 15.