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James queries, can you rest in peace at home?


FARMERS should have the right to be buried on their own lands, according to Councillor James Breen.
He believes people’s land can be very sacred to them and if they want to be buried there, they should be facilitated.
At the November meeting of Clare County Council, Councillor Breen put forward a motion requesting that the local authority calls on the Minister for the Environment to “change the law in relation to burials whereby a farmer or his family, if they so desire, may be buried on his or her own land”.
He said that for some, the place they were born and spent their life in is very special. “There is nothing more sacred in this world to a farmer than this patch of ground,” he commented.
Councillor Gerry Flynn felt the motion should be broadened to include property owners with sufficient land, while Green Party councillor Brian Meaney said such burials would need to be very tightly regulated.
Concerns about the proposal were voiced by Councillor Joe Arkins. “I realise the attachment that people have but could we be picking a rod to beat ourselves with,” he asked.
Councillor Arkins had concerns about how it might work in practice, saying there could be issues around the sale of lands, extensions and pollution.
Tubber-based Councillor Michael Kelly noted that farmers aren’t allowed to bury their animals on their land, however he said it was something that would require a lot of consideration.
Responding to some of the points made, Councillor Breen questioned what research other members had undertaken.
“How many have put research into it? I’ve done research and the vast majority aren’t interested and the vast majority wouldn’t go for it but some would.”
Responding to the statement about animals not being buried in the ground, he noted, “An animal isn’t buried in a coffin”.
Eventually the members agreed to send the matter to the minister for consideration.

 

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