Diocese forced to defend plans for cremated ashes in cathedral March 5, 2021 THE Killaloe Diocese has defended moving ahead with a Columbarium Chapel at Ennis Cathedral, which it says will help with an increase in cremations, while it will not put any financial burden on the parish or diocese. A columbarium is a structure to accommodate the cremated ashes of former parishioners and planning permission for one has already been granted for the former Mortuary Chapel of Ss Peter & Paul Cathedral; it will be able to accommodate the ashes of 240 deceased people. Parishioners had contacted the Clare Champion with a range of concerns about the plans, including about consultation and cost.