This article is from page 20 of the 2012-02-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
THE headquarters of Ennis Town Council has been identified as a possible venue for humanist funeral services.
Green Party councillor Brian Meaney has urged Clare County Council to consider the options available to it in providing a suitable location for a humanist funeral service.
Cllr Meaney tabled a motion on the issue at yesterday’s meeting of Clare County Council.
In his reply, Ger Dollard, Director of Services, stated, “According to the Humanist Association of Ireland, a non-religious funeral ceremony will generally be held either in a crema torium, the undertakers rooms or at the graveside.”
He continued, “The association has produced an information leaflet which is available on their website www.humanism.ie and also states that there is no reason why such a service could not be held in any other suitable venue. In this regard, the location for the service does not appear to be an issue.”
Cllr Meaney said that while he did not agree with Mr Dollard’s reply, he had not asked for a full and detailed response on the matter.
Cllr Meaney told the meeting that the provision of humanist funeral services will become more frequent as the so-called “more liberal generation” grow older.
“There will be an increased demand for this type of service,” he added.
Cllr Meaney said he had discussed the matter with another fellow member of Ennis Town Council. He said the council’s headquarters at Waterpark House in Drumbiggle could be a suitable site for humanist services. He said the proposal would first require the approval of the Ennis town manager, Ger Dollard.