CPO remains possible after Bessborough decision – Labour

CPO remains possible after Bessborough decision - Labour - The Labour Party

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD, Cork City Councillor Peter Horgan and Senator Laura Harmon have said CPO of the Bessborough site remains an option for government following the decision to grant planning following an appeal brought by Labour Party Councillor Peter Horgan.

The Labour Party representatives said the granting of planning marked a dark day not just for Bessborough but the wider Cork area and Ireland as a whole.

Deputy Bacik said:

“The decision today to grant planning permission on such a sensitive site is a hammer blow to all survivors and campaigners. The failure of the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil Government to intervene at an earlier stage is deeply regrettable and will be remembered by all survivors and families. Having visited Bessborough myself last week, I am particularly struck by the highly sensitive nature of the site

“There is still time for Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to right this wrong. The CPO of the site remains possible and we are urging Government to act without delay to ensure that the Bessborough site is recognised and preserved as a site of conscience.

“Labour has stood consistently with survivors and families in their campaign to ensure that Bessborough is recognised and preserved as a site of conscience. I am very proud of the leadership shown by Labour Cllr Peter Horgan in lodging an appeal to support survivors, and of the strong advocacy from Senator Laura Harmon, including protests outside Leinster House.

“We must see action now from Government to CPO the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Bessborough to protect it as a site of conscience.

“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 Government must not ignore this history or the demands of those most affected. It must act to CPO Bessborough immediately.”

Senator Laura Harmon said:

“The decision to grant planning permission on the Bessborough site truly beggars belief. We need to see action from Government through the immediate CPO of the site to safeguard it.

“Facts continue to emerge about Bessborough that are deeply disturbing and demand action from the State. In March we learned that of the more than 900 babies known to have died as 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.

“We cannot build over such a shameful legacy of institutional abuse.

“We need to see a full excavation of the site to get answers for survivors. This is a moment to stand with survivors, to demand recognition of the past and to ensure that Bessborough is treated with the dignity and respect it deserves. Government must act now.”

Cllr Peter Horgan, who previously brought a motion before Cork City Council calling for the Council to explore a CPO of the site, said:

“This is a dark day for those who fought to ensure memories are preserved in Bessborough. I want to thank Rory O’Hanrahan and Coakley O’Neill Planning for the excellent work they did on a pro-bono basis on this matter.

“We will review the decision in full and consider any legal avenues that may be available.

“However, as I said at the recent commemoration it is never too late to do the right thing. It’s not too late for the Government to now step in. it’s not too late for the Developer to step back. It’s not too late to take this land into public ownership.”

The Labour representatives reiterated their support for a detailed assessment of the CPO option and called on Cork City Council and Government to work reflect the emotive response of the public to this site.

“Bessborough is a uniquely important site for Cork. Regardless of today’s planning outcome, we must remember it is a site of national conscience as Carmel Cantwell said many times. And We hold the memories and grief of all those who passed through here over the years,” they said.