Over 1,400 cremations recorded in 2025 as demand rises at ANB council’s new £5m facility

Antrim & Newtownabbey Crematorium

There were 1,407 cremations at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s crematorium during 2025, the latest figures show.

Of these, 491 were residents and 916 were non-residents.

The figures were detailed in a bereavement services quarterly update presented behind closed doors at last month’s meeting of the council’s Operations Committee.

The highest monthly total occurred in January 2025, when 143 cremations were recorded.

The committee report stated:

“Based on current usage levels, residents accounted for approximately 34.9% of all cremations undertaken at the crematorium, while non-residents represented the remaining 65.1%.”

The council-owned crematorium opened on Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, in June 2023 at a cost of £5 million.

Minutes of the meeting noted that the council’s Head of Parks Operations is examining the possibility of covering the walkway at the exit of the crematorium. He also agreed to review parking and advise committee members on options to increase capacity.

He indicated he would report back to councillors with a timeline for the business case relating to the proposed Carnmoney South cemetery in Newtownabbey.

It was also noted that ground surveys are being commissioned to “inform and support the progression of an outline business case” for the borough council.

There are currently no new burial plots available at Carnmoney Cemetery in Newtownabbey, although 42 plots remain for the burial of ashes in its garden of remembrance.

Councillors were also told that preparatory work for the garden of remembrance at Sixmile Cemetery in Antrim is “progressing as planned”, with design concepts now developed.

The project remains on schedule, with construction expected to begin this spring.

At a glance

• 1,407 cremations recorded in 2025

• 491 residents and 916 non-residents

• Non-residents made up 65.1% of all cremations

• Busiest month was January with 143 cremations

• Crematorium opened in June 2023 at a cost of £5m

• No new burial plots available at Carnmoney Cemetery

• 42 plots remain for ashes in the garden of remembrance

• Parking and walkway improvements under review

• Plans progressing for new Carnmoney South cemetery

• Sixmile Cemetery memorial garden project on schedule