A private company selling a burial plot near Wolfe Tone’s grave is “crass” and “commodifying heritage”, according to Peader Tóibín. 

Wolfe Tone Cemetery in Sallins, Co Kildare, is selling burial plots near the grave of Irish rebel Theobald Wolfe Tone for €12,500 until July 31st. 

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said it is “crass” to sell burial plots at this price. 

“Wolfe Tone is the father of Irish republicanism,” he told Lunchtime Live.

“His political philosophy was one of equality between Catholics, Protestants, and dissenters – he inspired the 1916 generation who founded this State.” 

“Thousands” of Irish people make the “pilgrimage” to Wolfe Tone’s grave – which the graveyard seems to be exploiting now, according to Deputy Tóibín. 

“There's a commercialism of that heritage,” he said. “There's a commodification of that heritage. 

“Most people have stayed clear in trying to cash in on heritage such as that up until now.” 

'Cashing in' on Wolfe Tone

The cost of a burial plot varies in Ireland, but Deputy Tóibín estimated an average grave costs €1,200. 

He noted local authorities also still own many graveyards. 

“I know this is a mixed economy and I've no problem with there being a private element within the system to provide supply for graveyards,” he said. 

“But I just think that we have an individual, Wolfe Tone, who we all own his heritage. 

“And now we have a private company coming in – and they’re not hiding the fact that this is about cashing in on Wolfe Tone.” 

Wolfe Tones resting place at Bodenstown in County Kildare, during the annual Fianna Fail Commemoration 19/10/2003. Photo: Photocall Ireland.

The cemetery charges €5,000 for a 'standard plot’, €7,500 for a ‘premium plot’, €10,000 for a ‘gold plot’ - and €12,500 for a ‘platinum plot’. 

Deputy Tóibín said there is a “bit of a class system” to the pricing. 

“If you're rich, you can afford to be close to Wolfe Tone,” he said. 

'Enhancing' the cemetery

Wolfe Tone Private Cemetery owner Seamus McCarthy said Kildare County Council had conducted a feasibility study into the future of the graveyard as it was reaching full capacity. 

“We went into the planning consultants to have a pre-planning meeting with the council, who were not adverse to extending further burial areas in the surrounding lands,” he said. 

The council gave permission for 1,384 new plots, according to Mr McCarthy – who wanted to “enhance” the area. 

“It is in a ruinous state, which is unfortunate in this day and age,” he said. 

“Part of the enhancement of the existing cemetery is from a safety perspective – but also we’ve been contemplating looking at creating an interpretive centre.” 

He said the increased costs are “not just about burial plots” - but “enhancing a national monument” and “facilitating a need for burial plots”. 

Mr McCarthy also said people are “entitled to pay or not pay” for whatever burial plot they want. 

He said Wolfe Tone Cemetery is also liaising with Kildare County Council about facilitating a separate price for the local Sallins community. 

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