Decision on Omagh crematorium plan not expected until 2026

A FINAL decision on whether to build a long-awaited £6 million crematorium at Greenhill Cemetery in Omagh is expected to be made by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in 2026.

Planning permission for the crematorium was first granted 13 years ago for a site at Greenhill on the Gortin Road. In December 2022, the council approved the development of a full business case, and the planning permission was renewed in March 2023.

Local man Oliver Hughes, from Carrickmore, had previously challenged legislation that restricts the operation of crematoria to local councils.

Mr Hughes had expressed an interest in establishing a crematorium privately, but his application for a Judicial Review was refused in 2023.

Now, according to John News, the council’s director of Environment and Place, the project has reached a key stage. A cost review has been completed, taking into account net-zero priorities and evolving public attitudes towards cremation.

“As part of that process, officers visited the new crematorium operated by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council,” Mr News said.

“The review concluded that there is sufficient latent demand. Officers will now appoint an Integrated Consultancy Team to prepare a full business case and detailed design.

“There is an expectation that a final investment decision will be made in 2026.”

When it was first proposed, the Omagh site was set to become the first crematorium outside Belfast. However, facilities have since opened in Antrim and Newtownabbey, and in Cavan.

The Omagh project remains part of the Council’s Capital Plan Forecast for 2025 to 2030.

It previously faced criticism for involving Derry City and Strabane District Council, as well as Mid Ulster District Council – a move described by some as an ‘own goal’.

However, both councils are no longer involved, and Fermanagh and Omagh now appear set to pursue the project independently.