Funding of Mayo graveyards questioned

THE funding of graveyards in Mayo has been questioned by a local councillor.

With up to €800 being paid out for new plots, some of that money should go back into maintaining the burial grounds, Achill-based Councillor Paul McNamara has suggested.

Currently, 90% of cemeteries totally rely on allocations from councillors GMA funding to keep them up to standard, which amounts to about €1,000 and is 'not near enough', he said.

Speaking at a Westport-Belmullet Municipal District meeting, Councillor McNamara asked who is actually responsible for the graveyards. He felt it was the council.

Fees were paid to the council for plots and he felt that money needed to go back into the graveyards.

And he raised another matter where people who allocate plots have retired but the council hasn't appointed anyone new to their roles.

He was asking the council to put more funding into the graveyards. Of the fees paid, some of that money should go back into their upkeep and maintenance.

The councillor further requested details of how much money the council receives every year for plots.

Councillor Sean Carey supported his call, saying voluntary committees do tremendous work but the money they receive is not sufficient.