Sunday, May 29, 2011

New bye-laws to govern graveside music in Mayo

Mourners in County Mayo will have to seek special permission for music at the graveside if new byelaws currently been proposed by Mayo County Council get the go-ahead.  

Under the proposed new byelaws, “no person shall operate any sound re-producing equipment or play any musical instrument in a cemetery without the prior consent of the council.” 

Speaking at the Special Policy Committee meeting on the Environment and Agriculture at Mayo County Council local Cllr Richard Finn said, “The new proposed byelaws were unfair to grieving mourners.” 

“To have to come to Mayo County Council to ask whether we can play the flute at the graveyard is a new low for us.  It takes away every human right and dignity and I'm sure that no elected representative will vote for this.”

Another member of Mayo County Council, Cllr Michael Kilcoyne also expressed his concerns.  

He claimed “lots of burials have music played at them.” 

“The current byelaws as they are proposed are unworkable due to council opening hours and holidays.”  

He added, “what if someone died on Holy Thursday?  Who are you going to get permission from then if there is no one in the council office?”  

He also added that the council needs to look more closely at the whole issue of gravediggers and how they are covered by insurance.