Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion TD, has welcomed news that planning permission for an apartment complex on the site of the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home institution has been refused.

Teachta Funchion said:

“I welcome the news that planning permission has been refused for this site. This is the right decision and will be welcomed by survivors of the home.

“Survivors have been clear in outlining their shock and distress at the prospect that apartments could be built on this site. I want to commend them for their advocacy on this issue.

“The proposal was entirely insensitive and inappropriate, given the prospect of children’s remains being buried at the site.

“This site now needs to be included in the remit of the Certain Institutional Burials (Authorised Interventions) Bill and the site must be properly investigated.

“As I have said throughout, survivors’ needs and concerns must be at the centre of all processes. Their views must be listened to and respected. We must not face a situation like this again where survivors’ views are so disregarded.

“There is a clear need for a respectful and sensitive approach towards the burial of human remains within the grounds of Mother and Baby Homes. I will continue to work with all parties on the Burials Bill to ensure that this occurs and that survivors are listened to.”