BUSINESSMAN TO APPEAL REJECTION OF CREMATORIUM PLANS FOR TUAM

Date Published: 14-Jan-2013

A well known businessman is to appeal the rejection of his plans to build a crematorium in Tuam.

Tommy Varden says he was surprised when his plans were refused by county planners last month, and will now appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanala.

The proposed development on lands he owns in the Tuam townparks division include a two storey building with ceremony room, chapel, bio cremation area and a carpark.

County planners rejected the application last month because of the proximity of the crematorium to existing residential properties and a lack of off road parking.

Another reason given was the site location, which is in an area close to the protected structures of Tuam church of Ireland Cathedral.

If it did get the go ahead, it would be the first crematorium in the western region as at the moment the only such services on offer are in Dublin, Cork and Belfast.