Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
555. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the policy instructions or policy documents that he has brought to the attention of An Bord Pleanála since coming into office [11593/22]
View answerAs the Minister for Children, I am committed to ensuring that the findings of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related matters are taken into consideration in relevant decisions, including in the context of planning developments. In 2021, I made submissions to An Bord Pleanála and Cork City Council as part of the normal planning process in respect of two planning applications made on the current site associated with the former Mother and Baby Home institution in Bessborough, Cork City. The application related to a particular part of the site which is identified on a 1950s Ordnance survey map as a burial ground and which campaigners consider to be the most likely location of burials. I requested that due consideration be given to the sensitivity of these lands and the conclusions of the report by the Commission.
I am very conscious that An Bord Pleanála is Ireland’s national independent planning body and that it is ultimately up to An Bord Pleanála and, where appropriate, the local council to grant or refuse permission to develop a particular piece of land. I did not provide any policy instructions or documents to An Bord Pleanála.
