Bessborough survivors vow to chain themselves to diggers to stop apartment plan

More than 250 people at Sunday’s commemoration heard that survivors of the mother and baby home and their supporters will not stand by if planning is upheld and construction begins on the site

Broadcaster PJ Coogan speaking to the people attending the annual Bessborough commemoration on Sunday. Picture: Jim Coughlan

The annual Bessborough commemoration in Cork on Sunday heard that survivors of the former mother and baby institution are willing to chain themselves to diggers, should planning for 140 apartments on the site be upheld.

In February, Cork City Council granted permission for the apartments, which has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála, with a decision due by July 9.