An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
Seanad Éireann — 2026-02-11
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Mark Duffy (FG), Labour Panel

I raise an issue that has been highlighted to me by many people in my home county of Mayo. It relates to funeral expenses and recent developments regarding columbarium walls in cemeteries and church grounds. During a recent discussion on "The Tommy Marren Show" on Midwest Radio, Eddie Clarke of the Ballindine cemetery committee spoke about how it was a more effective and affordable option for community groups and organisations. There is an increased demand for it. I wished to highlight the issue here in the House. I have raised the issue previously on Mayo County Council. We should ask the Minister to consider a grant for the development of columbarium walls for those who have a loved one who is cremated. They sometimes do not know where to put the ashes. Columbariums offer people dignity in their final place of rest. It is somewhere people can go. I would like us to discuss this with the Minister. Consideration should be given to a grant for their development in towns and villages across the country. It would be welcome and it would also be more affordable. As we all know, funeral costs are incredibly expensive for families who have sadly lost a loved one.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-02-11/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:37+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-11