Galway County Council wants new policy on roadside memorials

Galway County Council has proposed a new protocol for grieving families who want to erect roadside memorials on the site where loved ones have lost their lives.

But that has already led to one local councillor asking if the draft policy is too cumbersome – and is in effect a way of making it more difficult for those families to fulfil their wishes.

Cllr Donagh Killilea said that these roadside memorials were an important part of the grieving process and should be accommodated in some form – albeit one that is also safe for motorists.

He stressed the needs of those with personal experience losing someone tragically on the roads had to be considered.

He also said that the proposal to discourage roadside memorials in favour of monuments in graveyards was heartless.

The issue is to be discussed in detail at a forthcoming meeting of Galway County Council – although any decision taken will not affect existing monuments already erected.

The Tuam-based Fianna Fáil councillor asked if there was national policy on roadside memorials and if other local authorities adopt similar policies.

In response, Senior Engineer Derek Pender confirmed there was currently no national policy on roadside memorials.

He noted other local authorities have adopted policies and that the draft policy presented was similar to polices in use in other local authorities.

Speaking as a member of the Roads Transportation and Marine Strategic Policy Committee, Cllr Albert Dolan reassured members that every decision would be considered thoroughly.

He said the intention was to provide clear guidance on what was and was not permissible in terms of roadside memorials.

As Chair of Roads Transportation and Marine Strategic Policy Committee, Cllr Pete Roche strongly rejected any suggestion that the SPC prepared the document without consideration and compassion for bereaved families.

He assured members the draft policy was prepared with all due consideration, sympathy and empathy toward those directly affected.

Cllr Roche advised members he was happy to take any amendments into consideration and facilitate any changes required and assured them there was no rush when it came to decision making.