RIP.ie to charge €100 for death notices from January

The site was bought over by the Irish Times Group earlier this year.

The online death notice and funeral information site was bought over by the Irish Times Group earlier this year.

It has become one of Ireland's most popular websites with 3.3 million users last month.

In a letter, reportedly seen by RTÉ's Drivetime, funeral directors nationwide have been informed that a €100 charge on all notices will come into effect from January 1.

Generally, client funeral directors upload the funeral announcements on behalf of the bereaved families.

Death notices on the site had previously been free of charge, with undertakers paying optional fees for extra advertising on the site.

The Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD) has written to the Irish Times Group looking for clarity on the reported fee, as well as raising questions about other concerns.

An IFAD spokesperson said: "When suppliers set prices beyond the control of the IAFD, which could affect our members and their clients, the association strives to voice any concerns on their behalf, as we aim to promote best practice and deliver value to both our members and their clients."

A spokesperson for RIP.ie said the fees would 'support the development and enhancement' of the website's service.

"Investing in our service will ensure that RIP.ie remains a trusted resource for bereaved families across Ireland and for the hundreds of thousands of people who post messages of condolence to those families on the site every week.

They added: "Having engaged with funeral directors and others involved in the sector, we believe the new fee structure offers fair and good value for money."

The spokesperson said there are 'no plans' to introduce a charge to users of the site.

"RIP.ie remains committed to offering an excellent service and a secure platform where bereaved families can be supported in commemorating their loved ones."

Labour TD, Conor Sheehan called the introduction of the charge 'pure and simple' greed.

"At the worst time in someone’s life, the last thing people need to consider is if they can afford to announce the death of a loved one.

“Charging people €100 to post a death notice is wrong. RIP.ie has become a crucial community tool for people up and down this country, and I am calling on The Irish Times to reverse this decision," he concluded.