Planning permission for apartments on the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home site in Blackrock, south Cork, is upheld across multiple reports. Cork City Council has granted permission for residential development on the property, with figures reported as 106 apartments in some coverage and 140 apartments in others. Sources also say the decision is connected to Estuary View Enterprises, which received planning permission earlier this year.
Following the approval, public and campaign groups call for greater attention to the site’s history. BreakingNews.ie reports that members of the public are urged to attend a protest against the development at the Bessborough site. Other outlets describe anger and ongoing calls for the Government to respond in a way that reflects survivors’ concerns.
The Government, according to RTE and TheJournal.ie, says it will reflect on the planning decision and engage with survivors regarding the future of the site. The Irish Times reports that state action has been urged, including buying the lands to create a memorial park. The overall coverage indicates the permissions allow apartment construction while debate continues over how the site should be treated going forward.
