Bessborough plan reawakened trauma of mother and baby home survivors – minister

Norma Foley acknowledges families' trauma as Cork TDs tell the Dáil the planned development should not go ahead

The Dáil statements come after last week's protests at Leinster House including by Bessborough survivor Noelle Browne who was accompanied by Larkin Community College student Alannah Glossop, and history teacher Roisín Sweeny as she handed in a petition against any building at the site. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins

The granting of planning permission at the Bessborough site has "reawakened" trauma of survivors, the children's minister has said as the Dáil heard statements on the former mother and baby home.

In February, developer Estuary View Enterprises 2020 received planning permission from Cork City Council to demolish almost a dozen buildings at Bessborough to make way for 140 apartments.