Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister has launched a Private Member's Bill aimed at bringing privately-owned cemeteries in Northern Ireland under the same regulatory framework as those managed by Councils.

The proposed legislation seeks to address current discrepancies where only Council-owned burial grounds are subject to specific conditions regarding grave maintenance, burial registration, and the right to place memorials. The North Belfast MLA's initiative stems from concerns raised last year regarding construction work in Milltown Cemetery in West Belfast, which sparked fears of disturbing unmarked graves. Ms McAllister highlighted numerous accounts from families, some with loved ones buried since the 1930s, who are worried about the impact of such work. She shared a personal connection to the issue, revealing her mother was informed her stillborn son and twins lost during pregnancy could be in the baby graves at Milltown, a situation she noted has been "repeated over and over from so many people."

Ms McAllister emphasised that the problem extends beyond Milltown, with similar issues emerging in cemeteries across Northern Ireland run by various churches and denominations. She stressed that without private cemeteries being obliged to follow the same regulations as Council-run sites, there cannot be full confidence in the proper protection of these burial grounds.

Expressing hope for the Bill's progression, Ms McAllister stated: "I am hopeful my Bill will progress and ensure legislation in Northern Ireland is modernised in the same fashion as has happened elsewhere in the UK, particularly Scotland." She added, "We need to reassure those who have family members buried in such circumstances the remains of their loved ones will not be disturbed and they will be treated with the respect they were not afforded in life."