Council to provide 20 Muslim graves

A campaign by Clare's best-known Muslim to source burial plots for his community looking towards Mecca has proved successful.

Clare County Council has informed former Labour TD Dr Moosajee Bhamjee that it is in a position to provide a Muslim burial ground, comprising 20 graves, at the Drumcliffe graveyard outside Ennis.

In a letter to the consultant psychiatrist, the council said the graves are available, when required, at the applicable rate.

"All burials are to be in accordance with the regulations for the Control and Operation of Burial Grounds owned by Clare County Council," the letter stated.

The council has also provided Dr Bhamjee with a location map of the 20 burial plots.

The Muslim population in Ireland increased by 41 per cent between 2002 and 2006, going from 19,147 to 32,539. The latest census showed there were 728 Muslims in Clare.

Dr Bhamjee said yesterday he was "delighted" the council had been so open to his suggestion.

"It has shown itself to be really proactive in catering for the needs of the growing Muslim community."

© 2007 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times