No plans to increase charges to use RIP.ie, say operators

The operators of RIP.ie, a platform for funeral notices and online condolences, have stated they do not plan to increase the fees for death notices introduced in January of 2025. The company reported a 5% growth in user numbers, describing it as a “strong year.”

Acquisition and Recent Changes

RIP.ie, which is celebrating its 20th year in service, was acquired by the Irish Times Group in May of 2024 for an undisclosed sum. The introduction of a €100 plus VAT charge for death notices one year ago prompted concerns from funeral directors and calls from some politicians for the service to remain free or for the government to establish a state-run alternative.

Industry Response and User Satisfaction

Recent customer surveys, as reported by the Irish Times Group to RTÉ’s Drivetime, indicate that users and funeral directors are “very happy with the site and the services provided by RIP.ie.” Galway undertaker Joe Grogan, initially opposed to the charge, now reports that his client families continue to request listings on the site and that the €100 plus VAT fee is generally accepted, especially when compared to traditional newspaper charges of €300 to €400.

Did You Know? RIP.ie facilitated €1.2 million in donations to deceased person’s chosen charities in the past year.

Jane Clarke, spokesperson for the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD) and Assistant General Manager of Stafford’s Funeral Directors in Dublin, stated that the IAFD has not seen any instances where cost prevents families from listing notices on the RIP.ie site. The IAFD was assured that visitors to the site would not be charged, and they expect this to continue.

Competition and Future Developments

Despite the emergence of approximately 15 rival websites following the introduction of RIP.ie’s charges, only two remain operational. “The Solace,” a competing platform, continues to develop its services, while Condolence.ie offers a free alternative. RIP.ie has invested in site security, customer care, increased staffing, and new resources including online grief support, financial planning information, a podcast, and community projects.

Expert Insight: The initial resistance to the RIP.ie fee structure appears to have subsided as the market adjusts and users demonstrate continued reliance on the platform’s reach and services. The company’s investment in additional features suggests a strategy to enhance value beyond simple notice publication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the reaction to the introduction of fees on RIP.ie?

The introduction of fees of €100 plus VAT in January of 2025 prompted concerns from funeral directors and calls from some politicians for the service to remain free.

How many rival websites to RIP.ie are currently operating?

Out of around 15 rival websites announced last year, just two remain operational: “The Solace” and Condolence.ie.

What has RIP.ie invested in since introducing the fee structure?

RIP.ie has invested significantly in site security, customer care, increased staffing, a donations payment gateway, online resources about grief and financial planning, a new podcast, and plans for community projects.

As RIP.ie continues to evolve its services, will the competitive landscape shift, or will the platform maintain its dominant position in the online funeral notice market?