Galway Bay FM News Archives
Funerals delayed over Council staff shortage
Date Published: 14-Apr-2011
By Denise McNamara
Families who want to bury their loved ones over the weekend have been forced to delay proceedings as a result of a shortage of Council staff.
The issue of burials on Saturdays and Sundays was raised at this week’s City Council meeting by Councillor Ollie Crowe, who believes there should be a change of policy to accommodate bereaved families.
A recent case involved complaints from one family to several councillors.
Council staff in the two city local authority cemeteries – Bohermore and St Joseph’s in Rahoon – can dig a maximum of four graves a day between both graveyards on Saturdays and Sundays.
Only Council staff oversee the digging of the grave, in contrast to burials in rural areas which are traditionally carried out by friends and neighbours.
Once that limit is reached in the city, no further burials are permitted. Undertakers are obliged to contact Council officials by noon on a weekday to book a funeral.
The recent case came to the attention of councillors because the undertaker who told the family to go ahead with the arrangements without finalising the details with the Council first. Death notices were published advising of the weekend burial but then had to be changed after the Council indicated it could not provide the staff to organise the grave to be dug.
Cllr Crowe : “I’m aware of at least three cases in the past six weeks where this has happened. Families surely go through enough stress without giving them more. They shouldn’t have to suffer without arguing or bickering over an extra couple of quid.”
A spokesman from the council said three workers were needed to oversee a burial. There was a shortage of staff in every department due to the public service moratorium.
For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
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