Family of dead Belgian not to reclaim his body

The family of Belgian national, Mr Walter Van Dael, who died after a violent incident in Ennis almost three weeks ago, have decided not to reclaim his body. He will be buried by the Mid-Western Health Board in Ennis next week.

Mr Van Dael (42) died after sustaining serious head injuries on July 26th at a tourist hostel in Ennis, Co Clare. He had been living in Ennis for two months where he worked as a tiler, staying at a number of addresses.

An Ennis man, Mr Eric Consi dine (23), of Stone Court, Drumbiggle, has since been charged with the murder of Mr Van Dael.

Since a post-mortem was carried out on Mr Van Dael the day of his death, his body has remained at Limerick Regional Hospital's morgue.

According to Supt Gerry Kelly of Ennis Garda Station, Mr Van Dael's family have indicated that they do not wish to reclaim his body for burial in Antwerp, Belgium. It is believed he was separated from his wife. An undertaker confirmed yesterday that he was contacted by the Belgian embassy three days after the man's death seeking quotes on funeral expenses.

The undertaker was asked for costings on four options: a burial in Limerick; a burial in Antwerp; a cremation in Glasnevin, Dublin, with the ashes to be scattered in Glasnevin or Limerick, or a cremation in Glasnevin, with the ashes to be repatriated to Belgium.

The most expensive option - burial in Belgium - is estimated to cost between £1,500 and £2,000.

According to the undertaker, since giving the quotes he has not received any further queries from the embassy.

Mr Van Dael's burial will now take place after his brother-in-law, who is travelling from Belgium, formally identifies him next Tuesday.

After the identification, Mr Van Dael's burial will take place at Drumcliffe cemetery in Ennis. According to a spokesman for the Mid Western Health Board, the board will pay the costs of the burial.