Work can resume in graveyards on erecting and updating gravestones from today.

Such works had not been allowed in graveyards across county Mayo and a number of other counties,  since the Level 5 Covid Restrictions were introduced at the start of this year, as the local authority did not deem such works as “essential”.

This had caused distress and upset to many grieving families.

Mayo Fianna Fail deputy Dara Calleary had sought clarification on the council’s stance on the cessation of any graveyard works from Government, and he says the government’s guidelines are clear, such works are deemed “essential”.

In response, Acting Chiedf Executive of Mayo County Council Peter Duggan has this morning informed councillors in writing that these works can resume as of today.

Gerry Ginty who owns a headstone and monumental sculptor business in Ballina says the impact has been huge.