Grave news: Elderly Limerick man with 'health issues' unable to secure a burial plot

THE case of a elderly County Limerick who is unable to purchase his own burial plot in a local cemetery has been raised with the local authority.

Current council by-laws, relating to municipal cemeteries, dictate that constituents must be aged 75 or over before they can purchase a burial plot.

In the case which has been highlighted, the elderly man is “independent-minded”, has health issues and is "not very close" to his family, according to Abbeyfeale-based councillor Francis Foley.

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At the October meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District, Cllr Foley said if the man was allowed to purchase the grave, it would be a “great source of comfort” to him.

The former Mayor of Limerick said he believes the rules should be relaxed in “exceptional circumstances” and he urged council officials to consider this. “We should look on this compassionately - some people don’t want to be a burden to their family”.

The meeting heard the man approached Cllr Foley regarding the grave problem, which resulted in the matter being highlighted and discussed at the council meeting.

Fellow Abbeyfeale-based councillor Liam Galvin said when a family member passes away “you can buy two plots, but you can’t pre-book a slot.” 

During the discussion, councillors agreed there is no need to scaremonger and it was emphasised that nobody is left without a burial plot when they die.

Arising from the discussion and noting comments from the Cathairleach, Cllr Michael Collins, Cllr Foley indicated he will raise the issue at relevant Strategic Policy Committee meeting, which feeds into local authority policy-making decisions.

Cllr Foley says he will continue do his best to put in place a mechanism that will allow for exceptional circumstances to be considered.