Government Urged to Consider Compulsory Purchase of Bessborough Site Following Planning Decision

The Government has been urged to intervene and consider a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for the Bessborough estate in Cork following a decision by planning authorities to permit development on the site.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Jen Cummins raised concerns over the decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant planning permission for development on the former mother and baby home site. Deputy Cummins highlighted that the burial locations of 859 children who died at Bessborough have never been found, raising fears that any physical works on the land could permanently lose or disturb these remains.

In response, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke acknowledged the sensitivity of the planning determination made by An Coimisiún Pleanála. Minister Burke stated that the Government now requires space to liaise with and support survivors. He declined to commit to a compulsory purchase decision on the Dáil floor, noting it was not his direct responsibility, but confirmed he would raise the proposal with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and the relevant Minister.