The Mayo Civil Registration Office in Castlebar.

Mayo anger over Civil Registration Office decision

Securing a birth, death and marriage certificate is by appointment only

The need for members of the public to make an appointment in order to secure a birth, death or marriage certificate in Mayo has been criticised.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said he cannot understand the reasoning behind the decision.

He hit out: “Those reaching these conclusions are just not in touch with people in the west, who don’t have broadband.

“They may have a laptop but nothing to work it, so how are they supposed to access this service?”

The Castlebar-based representative was told at a meeting of the HSE West Forum that the decision to move the Civil Registration Service for the registration of births and deaths to an appointments based service was taken at national level - to offer service users a facility to book an appointment rather than presenting on an ad-hoc basis.

Councillor Kilcoyne commented: “They are just as bad as the banks; they are service providers and this is their business.”

Breda Crehan-Roche, Chief officer, Community Healthcare West, said even without internet, there is a service for people to ring up. People can still phone and call to the office.

Councillor Kilcoyne asked: “Can they still call to the office because I'm told that's not the case?”

Crehan-Roche responded: “Yes, as far as I know. People can still call to the office.”