The public has slated the move by RIP.ie
Irish online funeral information service RIP.ie has announced plans to start charging the public for sharing death notices on its site.
The site, which was bought by The Irish Times Group in 2024, plans to charge people €100 per death notice.
The charges will reportedly come into effect in January 2025.
Many have called on RIP.ie to change their mind and cancel the fees.
However, an RIP.ie spokesperson defended the decision and said the fee will help develop the site.
“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.
“The platform, which operates seven days a week, also ensures people can find key information about funerals and funeral-related services.
“We have no plans to introduce a charge to users of the site,” the spokesperson added.
“RIP.ie remains committed to offering an excellent service and a secure platform where bereaved families can be supported in commemorating their loved ones.”
Irish public reacts to RIP.ie €100 charge
The public has slated the decision with many saying it is only going to make things harder for grieving families.
The Irish Times buying https://t.co/OBqR2s9HlH and moving it from a free service to 100 quid a death just before Christmas feels pure Scroogy. A type of workhouse Victorian evil. Some south Dublin Leinster rugby enthusiast is getting a visit from three ghosts over this https://t.co/9f2c1pifA1
— The Blindboy Podcast (@bbboatclub) December 17, 2024
One wrote on X: “In all seriousness, I’m just thinking about the amount of older people who might not have anyone come to their funeral service now because it will never be on rip.ie for old family and friends to see.”
“I think The Times should treat rip.ie with the respect it deserves. It’s a very important and cathartic service for those grieving. It brings communities together at times of terrible sadness. Don’t milk it,” another shared.
A third added: “Totally gross making more money off people’s grief.”
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