Council members review progress on new Mullenan cemetery

Derry City and Strabane District Council members have inspected construction work at the new Mullenan City Cemetery, which has been under development on Mullenan Road since March. 

The project is expected to be substantially advanced by the end of the year, with completion scheduled for early to mid-2026.

The site will provide about 3,500 burial plots alongside a memorial garden, public toilets, storage buildings and parking. It will have a main vehicular entrance on Mullenan Road and a pedestrian and cycle link to Balloughry Road.

Officials said the existing City Cemetery on Lone Moor Road is projected to reach capacity in Spring 2026. Council’s cemetery team is preparing to make plots closest to Mullenan Road available ahead of full completion and is liaising with funeral directors to allow early use of the site.

Councillors were also briefed on longer-term access plans, including a potential new connection from Balloughry Road to the greenway route known as The Line, subject to land acquisition.

Cllr Declan Norris, chairperson of the environment and regeneration committee, said: “The new cemetery is a crucial capital investment project for the council, which is progressing well and is set to be substantially advanced later this year.

“The new Mullenan facility is vital, as it will provide a modern, peaceful and attractive burial space with approximately 3,500 plots, ensuring our community’s needs are met for up to 20 years.”