Exhumation licenses are only issued where applications for the exhumation of interred remains comply with very strict guidelines/license conditions (including permission granted by the family).

Exhumations may only take place in the presence of a HSE Environmental Health Officer and the exhumation must be supervised to ensure privacy and to protect public health.

How to Apply for an Exhumation Licence

An application for an exhumation license should be made to the Council (issued and administered from the Environment Section) and must be accompanied by the following:

• The completed application form
• A copy of the Death Certificate of the deceased person
• A completed certificate from the Director of Community Care and Medical Officer of Health.
• A completed form of consent from the authority in control of the burial ground.

The application form and further details of the procedures surrounding exhumation are available to download/view below: