Bessborough CPO would be costly, warns councillor who was born in the Cork institution
Cork councillor Terry Shannon warned that a compulsory purchase of the former Bessborough mother and baby institution site could be financially costly due to existing planning permissions. The council passed a motion to examine the purchase, despite debates over terminology and political posturing.
Why it matters
It addresses the tension between historical accountability for institutional abuse and the practicalities of urban development and property rights.
Mr Shannon cautioned against what he called “emotive, simplistic arguments”, and criticised the Labour Party for what he said was “party political” behaviour in “calling out the Taoiseach”. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Donal O’Keeffe A former lord mayor of Cork, who was born in the former Bessborough mother and baby institution, has reminded his colleagues that, if there is a compulsory purchase of the site, landowners could be entitled to compensation because planning has already been granted.
Last week, An Coimisiún Pleanála substantially upheld planning permission which was earlier granted by Cork City Council, clearing the way for the building of 106 apartments on the former Bessborough grounds.
A motion before Monday’s council meeting, calling on the Government to begin examining the process of compulsorily purchasing the site’s 60 acres, was passed unanimously.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in