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Grave concerns highlighted in draft bylaws

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A RESTRICTION on the height of headstones in the county’s graveyards is just one of the conditions outlined in draft bylaws being planned for burial grounds by Clare County Council.
According to the draft, a maximum height is to be imposed for headstones, not exceeding 1.5 metres above ground level. The proposed bylaws, if given the go-aheadm will mean that no tomb, monument, vault, headstone, tablet or permanent structure of any description or material can be erected or constructed on any place of burial in the ground, unless it has been approved of, in writing, by the council, after submission of a formal written application.
The draft bylaws were put before this week’s meeting of Clare County Council’s Strategic Policy Committee for Community and Enterprise, Tourism and Emergency Services.
Betty Devanny of Clare County Council outlined to the meeting that the council’s predraft consultation into the proposals have seen positive feedback. She added the bylaws incorporate national regulations, while also taking cognisance of local issues.
She acknowledged that this is a “sensitive area” saying it is hoped that the regulations will help those suffering bereavement by giving them certainty about what can and cannot be done.
Under the proposed bylaws, Clare County Council will reserve the right to direct the removal of any monument, headstone or coping if it finds “in its general appearance offensive or contradictory to good practice principles or where there has been failure to comply with the approval issued by Clare County Council.”
An exception to the height restriction is Celtic Crosses, which can be erected up to seven feet high. The provision of a limit on the height of headstones was widely welcomed at the meeting. Councillor Tommy Brennan described some of the structures currently in graveyards in Ennis as a “disgrace” and he urged that the bylaws, if passed, be fully enforced.
Councillor Pat Daly commented that some headstones in Drumcliff “are as big as the De Valera monument”.
Geraldine Corbett, senior staff officer with the county council, responding to Councillor Brennan, stated that it is a “priority” of the council to enforce the rules and regulations.
Chairman of the meeting, Councillor Richard Nagle, urged that the National Monuments Service step in and help repair and preserve old cemeteries where there are no family members left to maintain them.
Pat Gaughran, community representative, raised concerns that the requirement for scaled drawings and permission would lead to increased funeral costs. Ms Corbett assured that there will be no fee for applying to erect a memorial and that the scaled drawings can be simple hand drawings.
Other measures proposed under the draft bylaws include the requirement for the prior consent of the council for the operation of sound reproducing equipment or the playing of musical instruments.
Councillor Joe Arkins commented, “I can understand not having ghetto blasters, but I have been to a lot of funerals where there are traditional tunes played. We can’t wipe away our traditions with bylaws.”
Ms Corbett stated the council would not have an issue with “normal music” being played at burial grounds. She outlined that other local authorities had experienced problems with “ghetto blasters” and that this measure was brought in to prevent this.
Councillor Gabriel Keating suggested that all concerned members of the SPC make submissions.
Director of service, Ger Dollard, commented that the discussion shows “the sensitivity of the area and genuine concern”. He said that the council had decided to move the draft proposals slowly to allow plenty of opportunity for people to be engaged.
“The purpose of this is to try and improve the situation and address concerns that are brought to us and maintain better management,” he concluded. The draft bylaws are to be put before a full meeting of Clare County Council.

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