Press Release

City cemetery monument to mark stillborn graves

Friday, June 04, 2010

A monument to mark the presence of stillborn babies and infants buried in unmarked graves in the Derry City Council area is to be erected in the City Cemetery, the Mayor Cllr Paul Fleming has announced.

The announcement comes following representations from the Mayor and his party colleague Cllr Patricia Logue, for Council to address the sensitive issue of babies and infants buried in unconsecrated grounds at its cemeteries.

Plans are now afoot to erect a monument in the City Cemetery, close to where the unmarked graves of stillborn babies and infants are located.

The Mayor explained: “This is a very sensitive issue and one which is very close to many people’s hearts. I was approached by a number of people who were concerned that babies and infants were buried in unmarked graves in the cemeteries. I felt it was important that these graves were identified in some way that would allow their families and friends to grieve properly for their loss and have somewhere to visit, to say a prayer or spend a moment to reflect.

“I am delighted that the City Engineer and the Council have agreed to erect a monument at the City Cemetery. The monument will be located close to the main area where the babies are interred. It is anticipated that work on the project will commence shortly, with an official ceremony taking place some time over the summer.

“I hope this monument will provide some comfort to the many families out there who are perhaps grieving in silence for a child,” he commented.

Details of the unveiling of the monument will be available at a future date.

Ends

Press Office

return to previous page