Move to reopen cemeteries welcomed

Local MLA Jonny Buckley said: “I’m relieved that the Northern Ireland Executive have now come to the collective decision of reopening our cemeteries in a controlled manner.

“This has been an extremely sensitive issue for grieving families and I am glad that Executive Ministers have reconsidered their stance.

“Please keep safe whilst visiting the cemetery and adhere to social distancing rules.”

Local MP Carla Lockhart said: “I know this has been heartbreaking for many families who have lost a loved one. Please await Council guidance on opening times and guidance on regulations.”

Councillor Paul Berry said: “Let’s think of all those people who had loved ones die due to COVID and other health related illnesses but who couldn’t visit their loved ones grave . A very tough time for many many people.”

SDLP Upper Bann said they were awaiting further details of opening hours and how it can be managed with social distancing but added: “For many people this visit is very important to them as part of their grieving process and something which they did on a daily basis prior to the pandemic.

“The lockdown has robbed them of that special moment in the day where they go to visit the resting place of their loved ones.”

Cemeteries were closed when social distancing measures were introduced towards the end of March 2020.

The NI Executive met on Friday afternoon and agreed that cemeteries throughout Northern Ireland could reopen.

“This is about balancing public health concerns with the basic human need for people to visit their loved ones,” said First Minister Foster.

Mrs Foster stressed it remains vitally important that the public remember they must continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines and wash their hands.

Sinn Fein and the Alliance Party had previously supported the decision to close cemeteries across Northern Ireland.

However, deputy First Minister and Sinn Fein vice-president, Michelle O’Neill, said the decision to re-open cemeteries came about because they had “listened carefully to the genuine distress of families who have not been able to visit the grave of a loved one”.

“I understand that there’s a fine balance and making sure that people do not face additional burden in terms of their mental health and well-being and also our role in making sure that people are not put at further risk from the transmission of coronavirus,” she said.

“So the opening of graveyards would only be permitted where there are those in charge of burial grounds that can ensure that we have compliance with the regulations and appropriate social distancing.

“We continue to keep these issues under review,” she said.