Internet boost for cemetery

City Cemetery: Reflects the history of Belfast

A disused gate lodge at Belfast's City Cemetery is to be transformed into a £1m genealogical center which will help people trace their relatives via the internet.

Residents in the Westrock and Whiterock area of west Belfast have been frustrated for many years as the nearby cemetery has increasingly become a venue for glue sniffing, under-age drinking, vandalism and drug dealing.

The focus of their attention is the dilapidated and window-less gate lodge house. The residents plan to renovate what has become an eyesore and, at the same time, provide much-needed local employment for young people.

The venture will also incorporate a contemplation museum and garden where people will be able to relax and reflect.

The project has been made possible thanks to a £500,000 grant from Belfast Regeneration Office and the developers are also said to be at an advanced stage of negotiations with the International Fund for Ireland.

Employment for young people

According to Deirdre Crawford of the Westrock and Whiterock Residents Association, Belfast City Council has agreed to rent the building to the group at a nominal rate of £1 per year for 25 years.

She believes the cemetery has become the focus of an anti-social element which is comprised mainly of young people.

"There is nothing for young people in our community.

"I think the gate lodge project will reduce the problems considerably."

The centre's main activity will be to provide genealogical information to people anxious to trace their roots. The group hopes to train young people to work as researchers who will be able to respond to internet enquiries from all over the world.

Formerly the last resting place for Belfast's unionist elite, the cemetery has now expanded to include a section now occupied mainly by Catholics.

Cllr Tom Hartley: History is inscribed in the gravestones

According to local historian and Sinn Fein councillor Tom Hartley, the City Cemetery reflects the history of Belfast.

"There's a wealth of what I call inscripted history on the stones," he said.

"At the bottom end of it you've got the unionist establishment at the height of its power and wealth.

"Family names of unionism, the Harlands are here, the Mackies are here."

According to Maurice Parkinson,Belfast City Council's head of parks, the priority will be to restore the respect of people for the cemetery, as much as it will improve its physical appearance.

"It's got beautiful gates and the remains of an old cottage which really ought to be a listed building.

"It's really about trying to ensure the cemetery is well used rather than abused."