An Bord Pleanála have rejected plans to build a chapel and car park on a pauper burial ground in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin.

The Department of Culture and Heritage had previously approved €2 million in funding to assist with the work, which included building a chapel on the graves of more than 3,000 paupers buried in St Paul’s cemetery.

Fianna Fáil General Election candidate, Mary Fitzpatrick, made a submission earlier this year to An Bord Pleanála calling for the plans to be rejected.

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Welcoming the planning authority's decision, Ms Fitzpatrick said: "Since the proposed ancillary works first came to light, I and many others in the locality believed that should be supported if it was to go ahead, it would symbolise a complete denial of dignity to the 3,000 ordinary people buried at the site.

"It was a direct contradiction to have ever suggested that these works were designed to commemorate those that lost their lives in 1916 while at the same time disrespecting other Irish citizens who were denied many basic rights in life.

"I am therefore relieved that an appropriate conclusion has been reached to withhold planning permission for the project. This decision must be upheld for will ensure the land in question to will rightfully remain a sacred burial ground for all those buried there."

(LM)