First pet crematorium in Limerick is granted permission

THE COUNCIL has granted planning permission for county Limerick’s first pet crematorium.

It will be located in a converted stable yard at Ringfort-Rath, Ballycullane Upper, Glin.

The applicant – Paul Horan – said it will allow for pet lovers to say farewell in a dignified manner and give the family “closure”.

“I have a boarding kennel and I do a bit of grooming as well. I have stables up the road and they were idle. I just thought that there was an opening there for it because I had people tell me that their pet had died.

“They said it was a week or two before the pet was collected and then they were waiting a further week or ten days before they got the ashes back. 

“With the rise in pets I don’t know is it being catered for enough,” said Paul, who is investing €150,000 in the project. 

He aims to be open in December for individual pet cremations. 

Paul has ordered a PET 200 pet cremation machine from Birmingham which is designed to be the most efficient solution for cremating medium to large pets –   domestic animals including birds, cats and dogs.

“You can bring your pet and we’ll have a reception and farewell room. We want to have it really plush and as comfortable as possible for people. We can tailor to whatever the person wants when they come. 

“There will be a range of caskets and urns and memorabilia. It will be geared towards those who want to bring their pet, say farewell and give them closure. We can also collect within a range,” said Paul, who is hoping to have a 24 to 48 hours turnaround to speed up the process for families.

He says dogs and cats and other pets become part of the family.

“I don’t think a lot of people have thought it through – what they’re going to do with them when the sad time comes. This will be part of the grieving process in as sensitive and personal a way as possible,” said Paul.

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Minister of State Niall Collins welcomed the news that the pet crematorium has been granted planning permission by the local authority. 

“This will be the first one in Limerick so now pet owners won’t have to travel outside the county to say farewell to their beloved animals. Losing a pet can be a very traumatic time for families and especially children. 

“This new facility will allow for family members to say farewell in a dignified and sensitive manner,” said Mr Collins.