The mayor of Sligo has warned of the prospect of coffins being left at the gates of the town's cemetery, unless a stand-off over who will dig graves is resolved.
Sligo Borough Council is insisting that from next Monday, its staff will no longer be available to dig graves.
However, funeral directors are insisting they will not accede to the "ultimatum".
The mayor, Mr Declan Bree, is meeting council officials today in an effort to resolve the stand-off.
He warned yesterday that funeral directors will not be in a position to dig graves because they have neither the expertise nor the insurance.
The new proposals from council management would end a 156-year practice at the cemetery where council staff traditionally dug graves. The policy is being described by some public representatives as "privatisation".
In a statement the council said it had suggested to funeral undertakers that they take responsibility, for the opening and closing of graves. "This practice pertains in every cemetery in the county with the exception of Sligo cemetery. Sligo Borough Council is surprised that the issue has been highlighted in this manner."
Councillors unanimously passed a motion last week requesting the town clerk to delay implementation of the privatisation of the grave-digging service until October 4th to allow full discussion.
The council argued the new practices were being introduced to comply with occupational health and safety requirements and officials insisted there had been negotiation.
