HC Deb 30 August 1895 vol 36 cc1244-5
MR. JAMES DALY (Monaghan, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that a clergyman's residence and cowhouses are about being built in Corlea Presbyterian Churchyard, county Monaghan, against the wishes of several of the parishioners whose relations have been buried there, and in spite of the fact that this ground was granted for burial purposes only; if so, will he take steps to prevent erection of the buildings referred to?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am informed that a residence is to be erected on the land attached to the church referred to, and that of the two acres contained in the grounds, one acre has been set apart for burial purposes. The arrangement, I am told, is approved by the Church Committee, and, so far as the police can ascertain, by the Church Congregation. Nor has any objection been raised, up to the present, by the relatives of persons buried in the ground. The question of permitting the erection of the building referred to seems to be one for the consideration of the parties in whom the ground is vested, and the Local Government Board, whom I have consulted, state they have no functions in the matter, inasmuch as the burial ground has not been provided under the Public Health Act, or vested in the Burial Board.