Burial Regulations

The Department of Rural and Community Development has responsibility for policy and legislation in relation to local authority burial grounds while the actual operation of burial grounds (cemeteries) is the responsibility of the local authorities.

Local authorities may appoint a registrar or caretaker for each of their burial grounds to manage the sale of plots in that site, and in some cases to maintain the burial ground.

Parishes operate some burial grounds, while local groups also operate burial grounds. If you want to purchase a burial plot, you should contact your local authority for further information. However, many funeral directors offer to handle the purchase of burial plots as part of their package of funeral services.

The three pieces of legislation which give responsibility to the local authorities are listed below:

• Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1878 (Part III)
• Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948
• Local Government Act, 1994

The main rules for burial grounds are set out in the Rules and Regulations for the Regulation of Burial Grounds 1888 and amendments made to these rules in 1919, 1929 and 2013.

In general, for all matters relating to burial plots or graveyards, please contact your local authority. You can find a list of local authorities here.

If you have any questions about Burial Regulations please contact BurialGrounds@drcd.gov.ie