Cork political figures rail against Bessborough apartment plans

In a submission to An Bord Pleanála, Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Michael McGrath said he was 'deeply concerned at the proposed development'

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Michael McGrath is one of 18 third parties to make a submission to An Bord Pleanála on the ‘fast track’ Strategic Housing Development plan by MWB Two Ltd. File picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A senior Government minister has said plans for an apartment scheme on the site of the former Bessborough mother and baby home in Cork are "entirely inappropriate".

Last month, An Bórd Pleanala said it would stage an oral hearing into the planning application for 179 apartments amid concerns by a campaign group that the development would encroach on a former children’s burial ground.