I know that this is a deeply personal and sensitive issue for the former residents of the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, their family members and supporters. I have previously spoken with survivor representatives about their concerns and expectations for the future of this site. I have further engaged with them since news of the planning applications was highlighted to me I and will continue to do so. I share the concerns of survivor groups about the proposed development.
The investigation of burial arrangements where deaths occurred in Mother and Baby Homes was a key focus of the terms of reference for the statutory Commission of Investigation. We know from the Commission's Fifth Interim Report, which was published in April 2019, that it has dedicated significant time and effort to advancing its investigations into the burial arrangements of the children who died in while resident in Bessborough.
Notably, the Commission reported at that time that it had seen no physical or documentary evidence of systematic burials within the grounds of Bessborough, but considered it highly likely that burials took place there. The Commission did not consider it feasible to excavate the 60 acres involved. There was also uncertainty as to whether children who died may be buried at a recognised graveyard but in respect of which records could not be located. The Commission asked for public assistance in furthering its investigation into these matters and indicated that it would include any further information in its Final Report.
I received the Commission’s Final Report on 30 October. It is my intention to publish the Report in the week of 11 January 2021.
It is important to be clear that the consideration of any development application in respect of these lands is a matter for Cork City Council as the relevant Local Authority, or for An Bord Pleanala where the application is a Strategic Housing Development. I do not have any statutory powers or responsibilities in relation to relevant considerations under the Planning and Development Acts.
However, there is scope for the Council, or An Bord Pleanala, to consider archaeological and heritage concerns in the context of any proposal or application for redevelopment of a site, following on from submissions made which may raise such concerns. In addition, the planning process includes a specific focus on public consultation and it appears that campaigners are continuing to raise their concerns directly with the relevant authorities.
