Elected members of Derry City and Strabane District Council have visited the site of the new Mullenan City Cemetery to inspect progress on the major project, which began construction in March this year.

During the site tour, councillors were shown the significant work completed to date and were advised that the scheme will be substantially advanced by the end of the year, with final works scheduled for completion in early to mid-2026.

Located on the outskirts of the city along the Mullenan Road, the new cemetery will provide 3,500 burial plots, along with a memorial garden, public toilets, storage buildings and parking facilities.

In addition to the main vehicular access from Mullenan Road, the site will be connected to Balloughry Road via a pedestrian and cycle route. The Council also hopes to develop a further pedestrian and cycling link from the Balloughry Road entrance to the existing greenway known as 'The Line', subject to land acquisition.

-- Advertisement --

The site visit was led by the Council's Environment and Regeneration team, who informed elected members that capacity at the existing City Cemetery on Lone Moor Road is expected to run out by spring 2026.

To prepare for this, the Council's Cemetery Team is working to make plots closest to the Mullenan Road available for use ahead of the project's full completion. They are liaising with funeral directors to ensure families have the option to inter relatives at the new facility as soon as possible.

Cllr Declan Norris, Chairperson of the Environment and Regeneration Committee, welcomed both the progress and the opportunity for members to see the works firsthand.

He said: "The new Cemetery is a crucial capital investment project for the Council, which is progressing well and is set to be substantially advanced later this year. With capacity at the existing City Cemetery projected to run out in Spring 2026, the new Mullenan facility is vital, as it will provide a modern, peaceful and attractive burial space with approximately 3,500 plots, ensuring our community's needs are met for up to 20 years."