FINE Gael councillor Jerome Scanlan last week called on Limerick City and County Council to review its policy on the forward sale of grave space within its burial grounds in the county.
He told council members of one case he knew of where a family was unable to buy a grave in their local council-run cemetery.
Party colleague Cllr Adam Teskey supported the call for a change of policy at this Monday’s full meeting of Limerick City and County Council.
“We have to get our affairs in order. The policy has to be changed,” he told the council executive.
Fianna Fáil councillor Francis Foley also supported the motion. He felt people had the right to make arrangements for their passing in advance but felt there should be a restriction on the number of graves that could be bought.
“Restrict it to two or three graves, but I fully support this motion,” Cllr Foley added.
Cllr Tom Ruddle (FG) also felt that restricting the number of graves that could be purchased would be a wise move.
However, Fine Gael councillor Liam Galvin warned council members that they would need plenty of grave space available.
“I hope we don’t end up with graveyards that are not occupied when there might be people with a more urgent need,” he said.
Director of Community Development, Gordon Daly told council members that they don’t have a burial grounds strategy in place.
“We need one in place. This is bit of a balancing act. I appreciate the sensitivities so it is a balancing act between that and limited capacity,” he explained.
