“To mark the 150th anniversary of its founding in 1874, the Cremation Society resolved to research public attitudes and experiences of cremation and crematoria in the UK today.” Said Professor Hilary J Grainger OBE Chair The Cremation Society
The article highlights areas such as Direct Cremation, Funeral Choices, The future of Crematoria in the UK and views on cremation today. A significant quote from the articles Key Findings page highlights the need for more Crematoria locally in Northern Ireland…
“Regional Pressures: The Case of Northern Ireland Northern Ireland faces an urgent need for new crematoria. As burial options decline and cremation demand rises, existing facilities will
be under a greater strain than they currently are. Without changes to the current law which
restricts development to local authorities only, and without investment, they will encounter
challenges in meeting the needs- both logistical and emotional- of the communities they serve.”
In an article – Funeral trends in 2025 – Burial, Cremation and Unattended Funerals. Published by Milne’s on February 10, 2026 Andrew alluded to an average request for cremation locally of 24%, however when we understand the wishes of those in our larger cities and the current operation of two crematoriums in an area with a population of almost 2million people we have to agree with The Cremation Society’s findings. The Belfast City Council’s delay in the building of their new Crematoriums is having a significant impact of the choice of funerals Northern Ireland funeral directors can provide and the timescale in which they can organise services. Belfast City Council revealed its plan for a new £18m crematorium at Roselawn in 2021 this was amended in 2023, yet further feasibility studies have been ordered. More information on the delays in Roselawn can be found on https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c70jxz6xl94o
