Councillor queries price variations for burial plots

A Mayo councillor wants financial assistance to be provided to people who cannot afford to purchase burial plots. 

Cllr Alma Gallagher told last week's council meeting that she wished to acknowledge a reply she received from Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary on the matter, adding: “But it was the eligibility criteria I was questioning and not looking for a synopsis of the scheme.” 

Cllr Gallagher said a single graveyard plot in Ballyhaunis costs €700 but just 10km down the road costs €350 in a rural graveyard, showing a variance in fees. Questioning why some people’s applications for funeral grants were approved while others were not, she asked: “What do you need in the bank for these grants, is there a maximum figure we can be told of so that families won’t be wasting time applying?” 

She asked council management to write again to Minister Calleary seeking the precise eligibility criteria.