Losing a loved one is a difficult circumstance for any family but extortionate funeral costs are making it even harder for Irish families.
According to The Irish Sun, cash-strapped families are struggling to buy burial plots, which have become extremely expensive in recent years despite the recession.
The Irish Association of Funeral Directors has blamed local authorities and the church for the increase in the cost of plots in Irish graveyards.
President of The Association, Seamus Griffin said: “The prices of burial plots have been increasing.
“Some of the councils are now charging VAT, registration fees and many other costs to the families.
Plots in Irish graveyards are becoming more expensive
“In Dublin, councils even charge overtime on Saturdays for a burial which is awful. Some people will try to bury in a rural area instead of a town.
“They’re often not allowed because they’re not from the area,” he said.
A spokesperson from St. Vincent de Paul, which helps those in need, said: “People can already be struggling with day-to-day expenses so when something unexpected like a funeral comes up they just can’t afford it.”
