NEW county council health and safety guidelines for gravediggers will just add to the stresses on people grieving, according to on councillor.

Cork County Council said it needs to take out an public liability insurance of up to €2.6million for gravediggers activities. Under the proposals, grave diggers would have to undergo strict training procedures and possess up to 16 pieces of equipment including a grave digging machine and dumper truck.

Grave diggers would have to get a certificate in manual handling, safe pass, first aid, risk assessment, slinging/signalling and refresher training as required.

The proposals also outline that if the undertaker decides to allow mourners to carry coffins or backfill graves then the approved gravedigger and undertaker must be present.

Killavullen-based Cllr Tom Barry is outraged that the gravediggers who buried his parents could now be forced out of their profession.

"Common sense would say that bereavements are a time of stress and upset for people.

"These policies would just add to people's stress," said Cllr Barry.

The councillor expressed serious concern about the future employment prospects for Killavullen's grave diggers Richard Hartnett and Joe Taylor, who buried the councillors parents.

"These people are professional, they know the graveyard. This new legislation will make it very difficult for them to continue working," said Cllr Barry.

- LOUISE MCCARTHY