Mother and baby home campaigners vow to challenge Bessborough planning decision in Cork

"Bessborough ranked as one of Ireland's largest mother and baby homes. It operated from 1922 to 1998. Over that time, over 9,700 women were admitted. The Bessborough mother and baby home suffered not only from a frighteningly high infant mortality rate in the 1930s, 40s and 50s but was also the focus of controversial Irish vaccine trials and allegations of arranged adoptions to the US."

"Pioneering research by historian Michael Dwyer revealed that 2,051 children drawn from the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary facilities at Bessborough and Sean Ross Abbey in Tipperary were part of secret vaccine trials almost 70 years ago. Of the more than 900 babies who died at Bessborough or in Cork hospitals having been transferred from the mother and baby home over the course of seven decades, less than 70 have known burial sites."

"Campaigners are convinced that the graves of babies remain undiscovered at the site. They want the entire area preserved for a thorough examination for possible burials before it is considered for some type of special memorial garden and community resource."

Cork City Council granted planning permission for 140 apartments across three blocks on the site of the former Bessborough mother and baby home, which operated from 1922 to 1998. The development by Estuary View Enterprises includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom units but was approved subject to 70 conditions. Bessborough admitted over 9,700 women and had a high infant mortality rate, particularly in the 1930s-1950s. Historical research revealed 2,051 children from Bessborough and Sean Ross Abbey participated in secret vaccine trials. Of over 900 babies who died at the facility, fewer than 70 have known burial sites. Campaigners oppose development, believing undiscovered graves remain on the 60-acre grounds and requesting full examination before any memorial or community use.

Read at Irish Independent