Exhumation

Exhumation is the removal of human remains from their place of interment.

The need to exhume is not a common occurrence and is only allowed in exceptional cases.  However, when exhumation is required it must be done with the greatest dignity and respect and with all the necessary legal authorisations obtained and documentation completed.

There are two different cases:

  1. If you wish to remove or exhume human remains from a cemetery owned by a Church Authority
    You need to obtain consent from the Church Authority together with written authorisation from Fermanagh & Omagh District Council’s Head of Environmental Health.
  2. If you wish to remove or exhume human remains, other than cremated remains, from a District Council Burial Ground
    You need to obtain consent from the Department for Communities (DfC).  The Environmental Health Department will also consult with the Public Health Agency.

In both cases you must advise the following of the date and time of the removal:

  • The Environmental Health Department, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council
  • The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)
  • The Church Authority (if applicable)

For more information and to apply for permission to exhume remains contact the Environmental Health Department by completing the online form below, enquire here.

Enquire here