Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
404. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the context in which he made representations against planning proposals in Bessborough, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13104/22]
View answerThe Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and related matters identified 923 deaths relating to children who were associated with the former Mother and Baby Home, Bessborough, Cork. It concluded that it is likely that some of the children are buried in the grounds of Bessborough but was unable to find any physical or documentary evidence of this.
In November 2020, two planning applications were made in relation to the grounds of Bessborough. One was a Strategic Housing Development (SHD) application to An Bord Pleanála. The second was made to Cork City Council. The applications related to an area which campaigners believe is the most likely location of the burials of these children. As a result, I made submissions to An Bord Pleanála and Cork City Council as part of the normal planning process in respect of these two planning applications. I requested that these planning bodies should consider the sensitivity of the site and the conclusions of the Commission. An Bord Pleanála refused permission to develop the site in question because it was not satisfied that the site was not previously used as a children's burial ground.
I believe that it is important to have regard to any need for further investigations by appropriate experts prior to works commencing on a site like Bessborough. It is also important that adequate consideration be given to requests from survivors and their families for appropriate access and respectful memorialisation. I have been engaging with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to memorialisation and protection of burial sites that may be linked to former Mother and Baby or County Home Institutions. The Minister established a Working Group last year to advance the relevant actions in the Government Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions.
