‘In Ireland we acknowledge our dead’
The grounds at Bessborough are far too emotionally sensitive for development, a survivor of the infamous mother and child home has said.
Speaking to the Cork Independent in light of the latest application, announced yesterday, for planning permission at Bessborough where there are suspected child burial grounds, Catherine Coffey O’Brien reiterated what The Bessborough Survivors Group is looking for.
“All we want, and we've been quite clear from day one, is that this children's burial ground be handed over to the cemetery department in Cork City Council and let it be marked and protected as a burial ground,” said Ms O’Brien.
The Bessborough Survivors Group founder added that a constant possibility of development of this land hangs over survivors and the mothers of children buried on the 200 acre grounds.
She said: “In Ireland we acknowledge our dead and we mark their graves.
“A wild flower and a couple of pictures is all we want so the mothers can go there and reflect,” she added.
MWB Two Ltd yesterday announced it had applied for planning permission for a 92 unit residential development at Bessborough which comprises of the 2 stepped buildings 5 and 8 stories in height and all ancillary works. The development will include 43 1 bed units, 30 2 bed units and 18 3 bed units. It will also include a creche with capacity for 25 children, parking facilities and bike storage.
Ms O’Brien also said she would hope that Cork City Council will reject the planning permission from MWB Two Ltd who had 2 larger developments in different areas in Bessborough rejected in 2021.
“This sets a dangerous precedent. If developers are allowed build everywhere they want, I mean, today it's our graves, tomorrow it could be yours,” said Ms O’Brien.
Over 900 children died from various causes at the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home which operated from 1922 to 1999. Less than 70 have marked graves.
In a statement issued to The Cork Independent, a spokesperson for MWB Two said: “Similar to the Mahon Point shopping centre and the entire City Gate development, the lands covered in the application were formerly part of the wider estate of the mother and baby home, which was approximately 200 acres.
“The planning application for this project has been meticulously prepared, in order to accommodate a range of views on the location of the development.”
The €40 million development has been planned and designed with a focus on social and affordable housing units and is also guided by the core principles of sustainability and accessibility.