Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2021
83. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on whether sites that were formerly locations of mother and baby homes need to be carefully investigated in advance of any potential uses of such sites; and if he has had discussions with survivor groups regarding the matter with specific reference but not limited to Bessborough in Cork city. [45023/20]
View answerI understand the distress which development proposals associated with the Bessborough site have caused for those most centrally connected to this issue. I share the concerns raised by survivor groups associated with in Bessborough in relation to the risks associated with this proposed development.
As the Deputy will be aware, I do not have statutory powers under the Planning and Development Acts. The necessity for any site specific investigations in advance of potential development on the former site of a Mother and Baby Home, or other institution, is a matter for the relevant planning authorities in the respective geographic area. I understand that these sensitivities can be factored into the planning process and appropriate terms and conditions can be attached to any permission that might be granted.
Individuals and advocacy groups connected to the site of the former Bessborough institution in Cork contacted me expressing serious concerns and reservations in respect of the nature and timing of the proposed development of the site.
For these reasons, I made submissions to An Bord Pleanála and Cork City Council as part of the public consultation process. I also contributed to the hearing convened by An Board Pleanála. The purpose of my submissions was, firstly, to ensure that the findings of the interim and final reports of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes could be considered in the decision making process, with particular reference to the unresolved questions relating to the possibility of burials on this site. Secondly, and importantly, my intention was to highlight the understandable and reasonable concerns of former residents and their relatives.
I understand that Cork City Council’s decision to refuse a planning application at Bessborough is under appeal to An Board Pleanála.
I know similar concerns arise in relation to the burial arrangements associated with other former institutions and I am open to further engagement on these matters.
