Call for 'precautionary approach' to burial site development amid Bessborough apartment plans

Roderic O'Gorman said any developments on the site of the former mother and baby institution should 'give adequate consideration to the views of survivors and families' members and their request for appropriate access and respectful memorialisation'

Roderic O’Gorman made an observation to an appeal by MWB Two of Cork City Council’s decision to refuse planning for a 92-unit scheme on the Bessborough site.

Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman has written to An Bord Pleanála highlighting a “precautionary approach” to developing potential burial sites, amid proposals for a €40m apartment scheme on the former Bessborough mother and baby home in Cork.

Mr O’Gorman raised the issue in his observation to an appeal lodged last February by MWB Two Ltd of Cork City Council’s decision to refuse planning for a 92-unit scheme.