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Paddy Leonard, 16 Jun
A number of parking spaces will be made available for Blue Badge
holders at the annual Blessing of the Graves event taking place at 3pm
on Sunday June 25th it has been confirmed.
Concerns had been raised by elected members about access to the site at
this week’s Environment and Regeneration Committee. Following
discussions this morning between Derry City and Strabane District
Council and a Church representative, arrangements will now be put in
place to accommodate 123 vehicles at the designated parking areas only,
situated throughout the cemetery.
The places will be allocated on a first come first served basis to
current Blue Badge holders and can be booked from 12noon on Monday June
19th, by emailing cemeterysunday@derrystrabane. com
When booking online please provide a name, Vehicle Registration Number,
and evidence of a current valid Blue Badge – any submissions without
this information will be considered invalid.
Please note that the service will also be live streamed for anyone who
wishes to view it from home.
In a joint statement from the Council and the Church, a spokesperson
said: “With thousands of people expected to attend the Blessing of the
Graves event, safety is the number one priority when visiting the City
Cemetery. To ensure the event runs safely and smoothly, we must put in
place measures to keep vehicular access to a minimum and keep
pedestrians safe at all times.
“It has been agreed that 123 spaces throughout the cemetery can be made
available to accommodate those with a disability that prevents them
from walking from the other accessible parking sites.
“We would ask that people using these spaces arrive at least an hour
before the service as gates will close promptly at 2pm, and no vehicles
will be allowed access after this time, even if a parking space has
been booked. A number of other measures will be in place to keep
pedestrians safe on the day and we would appeal to people to adhere to
the advice of stewards at all times.
“Please keep in mind that you may still have to walk some distance to
reach family graves and make provision for this. Visitors parking
outside the cemetery, please park in appropriate areas and be
considerate of people living in the area. Do not block roadways,
footpaths or gateways when parking.
“This is an important time of prayer for families who are remembering
loved ones, and we ask that everyone is respectful and mindful of other
visitors during the service. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in
delivering this event.”
Blue Badge holders will have access to six spaces at the top of the
cemetery and the remainder will be located at the middle and lower
sections. These will be allocated on a first come first served basis
and it will not be possible to reserve a space in a particular area.
Once on site, vehicles will remain there until the crowds have
dispersed which, it’s estimated, will be approximately 30 minutes after
the service finishes.
Access to the cemetery for all vehicles will be from the lower gate of
the Cemetery at the Lone Moor Road. There will be no vehicle access to
the cemetery from 12pm to facilitate preparations for the service.
Access will only be given to those who have registered with gates
remaining open until 2pm.
A number of accessible parking spaces will also be available for Blue
Badge Holders at St Mary’s Church, Creggan, St Cecilia’s College and
Celtic Park. Access to these sites will only be given to vehicles that
display a current Disability Blue Badge Permit.
Anyone who wishes to book a space within the cemetery can do so online
at cemeterysunday@derrystrabane.com and for further information
go to https://www.derrystrabane.com/cemeterysunday
You can view the livestream of the Blessing of the Graves as follows:
Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CemeterySundayDerry
Live Event - https://www.youtube.com/live/CYanC-HvQjc?feature=share