A MAXIMUM height of 1.5m on headstones and a ban on animal statues are among the measures contained in new bylaws governing cemeteries in Co Kerry which were adopted yesterday.
The measures have been introduced to outlaw practices in recent years where some family monuments were so elaborate that they intruded on nearby graves.
The laws, which had been on public display, were amended by councillors yesterday to include health and safety warnings about digging and working in open trenches. Submissions were also received warning the council not to allow heavy diggers into graveyards.
Under the bylaws, tree planting on graves is banned, and all wreaths must be removed within two months.
The height of monuments is restricted to a maximum of 1.5m and secondary monuments such as “statues including those of animals” are not permitted.
First internment must be to a depth of at least six foot. Any grave being used for second internment should be dug to a depth of eight foot (2.45m) – a stipulation that was criticised by some undertakers.
Tim O’Shea, director of O’Shea’s funeral home in Killarney, said funeral directors always try and go as deep as circumstances allow.
“In my own considerable experience of over 60 years in the funeral business I know that it is almost impossible to dig a grave to 2.45m.”
Cllr Michael Healy-Rae urged that the concerns of Kerry’s most experienced funeral directors be taken into account. “It is a physical impossibility to go to that depth.”
His brother, Danny Healy-Rae, warned that grave diggers would be “buried alive” if the depths were insisted upon.
The brothers voted against the laws, which were carried by an overwhelming majority.
The meeting also heard that there was a need for a crematorium in Co Kerry.
The laws received the stamp of approval from the Irish Association of Funeral Directors, who wrote to the council to say they wished other authorities would follow Co Kerry.