Cllr. Nigel Dineen, Chairperson of the Roads, Transportation and Emergency Services Strategic Policy Committee updated the members on the Draft Byelaws. In 2020 it was proposed to review and update the Bye-Laws (previously adopted in 2009) to reflect changes in society, the need to conserve space in cemeteries and alleviate the costs associated with extending cemeteries.  Agreement was reached at the SPC meeting held on 23^rd July 2020 to make a number of amendments and to proceed with the draft Bye-Laws as presented at that meeting. The Draft Bye-Laws were subject to a public consultation process for the period from Friday 4^th December 2020 to Friday 15^th January 2021.   Submissions or observations were accepted up to and including Monday 25^th January 2021.

 Four submissions were received and at a meeting of the SPC on 24^th February 2021 these were considered and amendments/additions were agreed and incorporated into the Draft Cemetery Bye-Laws 2020.

The SPC is recommending the Draft Bye Laws for approval.

The members raised a number of issues in relation to the Bye Laws:

·         When the Bye Laws are adopted, will a section in a cemetery be dedicated to a lawn cemetery and will people have a choice with regard to being buried there?

·         There are a number of old graveyards no longer in use and have fallen into disrepair – is there any funding available to cut back trees etc.

·         Thanks to an Garda Síochana, local media, Roscommon County Council and general public for their assistance in recovering the stolen gates recently in Rathmoyle cemetery.

·         Is planning required with regard to erection of headstones?

·         The Cemetery grants are a great example of benefits to community groups. The amount allocated increased at one point to €150,000 and this level of funding needs to be restored.

·         With regard to family grave spaces, applications are not accepted for additional space alongside a family plot until the person who required it is deceased and this can cause severe upset and grief for the family concerned.

·         There should be controls in place to regulate size of headstones.

·         There should be awards for voluntary groups for best kept cemeteries.

·         Thanks to CE scheme for the work they carry out to keep graveyards maintained.

The Director of Services, Mr. Shane Tiernan replied to the questions:

·         A certificate of permission is required to be submitted to Roads Section to ensure works are carried out in compliance with the Bye Laws

·         With regard to purchase of burial plots, the Council has to ensure this is managed in the best possible way. The selling of plots is proportional to needs but extenuating circumstances are provided for in the Bye-Laws.

·         Cemeteries are risk assessed for maintenance works including trees to be cut where necessary and works carried out subject to available resources.

·         There are awards for upkeep of cemeteries in conjunction with the Environment Section and will work in partnership with them and Heritage in this matter.

At the request of the Cathaoirleach, the Director outlined details of a proposal that some of the funding carried forward from the General Municipal Allocation be allocated to cemetery committees in 2021 due to the extenuating circumstances of Covid preventing them from normal fund raising activities

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED that an extra allocation of €12,500 for each Municipal District would be awarded to the Cemetery Grants for 2021 to double the existing allocation.

This was welcomed by the members.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Dineen

SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was AGREED to adopt the Draft Cemetery Bye-Laws 2020.

Cllr. Crosby proposed an amendment that where there is a grave space alongside a family plot it should be made available to the family by the Council.

There was no seconder for the motion.