Josef Pavelka, who lived in a public toilet, is to be buried in Ennis, Co Clare, after efforts to repatriate his body to the Czech Republic failed.

The body of the homeless alcoholic was found in a laneway beside Ennis's O'Connell Street on May 4.

In April, Mr Pavelka's plight received national attention when a district court judge said it was a scandal that he was living in a public toilet.

Gardai -- through the Czech embassy in Dublin and Interpol -- have been in contact with a daughter and sister of Mr Pavelka concerning the repatriation of the 52-year old's body.

However, his family members have confirmed that they will not seek the return of the body. The remains of Mr Pavelka have remained at the morgue at the Midwest Regional Hospital in Limerick since his death.

Mr Pavelka will now be buried at Drumcliffe cemetery in Ennis. The HSE is to foot the funeral expenses, with Clare County Council providing a plot.

Fr Tom Hogan, a friend of Mr Pavelka, said yesterday: "The people of Ennis will be delighted to hear that they will be able to pay their respects to Josef."

His funeral Mass will take place at 10am on Tuesday at St Peter & Paul Cathedral, Ennis.

Belfast Telegraph