Crowds gathered earlier today at around 2:30pm in a Rally against the planned building of over 100 apartments on the site of the former Mother and Baby Home. Several people spoke at the event and there were multiple political groups present. Footage of the event was taken by both 'Corruption Awareness Ireland' and 'We are Cork' Facebook pages.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has intervened directly in the escalating dispute over the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home, instructing Cork City Council to engage with landowners to "explore all options" for the site's future.
The move comes after An Coimisiún Pleanála greenlit plans for over 100 apartments on the grounds earlier this month — a decision that sparked cross-party condemnation and unanimous calls from Cork City Council for a compulsory purchase order (CPO). Survivors' demands to halt development entirely were dismissed, though the number of permitted units was reduced.
The Numbers
A 2021 report found that 923 babies and young children who lived at Bessborough, or whose mothers were resident while pregnant, had died. Only 64 burials were accounted for. The institution operated from 1922 to 1998.
Political Reaction
Jerry Buttimer TD (FG, Cork South-Central) welcomed the Taoiseach's intervention: "Bessborough is a place of profound historical significance and deep personal importance to so many people in Cork, across Ireland and around the world. Today's announcement provides an opportunity to pursue a path that respects that legacy while listening carefully to those most affected."
Holly Cairns (Social Democrats leader), who clashed with the Taoiseach in the Dáil this week, struck a cautious tone: "This is an important first step, but it must not be the only one. The right thing would be turning the grounds into a site of conscience. However, Cork City Council will need to be provided with money from central government if it is going to do that."
Cairns added that the Taoiseach could go further by unsealing all burial records from the Mother and Baby Homes Commission and requesting the Attorney General order an inquest into the deaths.
Lord Mayor Damian Boylan also welcomed the statement, noting councillors had voted unanimously on Monday to pursue a CPO — but were told the council lacked funds to complete the purchase.
Cork City Council confirmed it will now engage with stakeholders "in a considered, sensitive and respectful manner" to explore all options for the site.