Bessborough oral hearing refused – site should never be built on
Bessborough oral hearing refused - site should never be built on - The Labour Party
Labour’s Senator Laura Harmon and Cllr Peter Horgan have said the decision to refuse an oral hearing on the planning appeal for Bessborough is a misstep and the wrong approach to take.
Cllr. Peter Horgan said:
“It’s deeply disappointing that An Coimisiún Pleanála will not hold oral hearings on the Bessborough site appeal. Not for the politicians but for those who have been emotionally put through the wringer with this application again.
“The Labour Party are clear, the Bessborough site should not be built upon.
“More than 900 babies known to have died at Bessborough, fewer than 70 burial places have been identified. These are not distant or abstract facts. They speak to real loss, real trauma and a legacy that must be treated with the utmost respect.
“It is unacceptable that no Government Department or agency made any submission during the original planning process. That silence speaks volumes. At a time when survivors and families are seeking recognition and dignity, the absence of any State voice is indefensible.”
Senator Laura Harmon said:
“Labour has stood consistently with survivors and families in their campaign to ensure that Bessborough is recognised and preserved as a site of conscience. Labour lodged an appeal to support survivors who are clear: the site should not be built upon.
“We must treat these sites as what they are: sites of oppression and sites of conscience. The mishandling of the cases of mothers and their babies that was allowed to take place behind these walls cannot be forgotten. Paving over our shameful history in this way is not something any of us should support.
“We also recognise the tireless work of the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home Support Group, whose efforts have ensured that these voices are heard. Their campaign has brought national attention to this issue and has highlighted the need for accountability and respect in how this site is treated. The planning process must not ignore this history or the demands of those most affected.”