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A cross-party action of solidarity in support of Bessborough survivors has been held outside Cork City Council Hall.
Organised by Labour Senator Laura Harmon and Labour Councillor Peter Horgan, it was held in advance of this evening's meeting of the city council.
Earlier this year, developer Estuary View Enterprises was granted planning permission by Cork City Council to build 140 apartments at the Bessborough site.
Bessborough Mother and Baby Home Support Group and Cllr Horgan lodged appeals with An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes estimated that 900 babies died at Bessborough
Last week, permission was granted for the development of 106 apartments at the site of the Mother and Baby institution by An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Senator Harmon has said building should not go ahead and she reiterated the need for a Compulsory Purchase Order.
"The State must intervene and I am calling on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to make plans for the State to acquire the land now or compulsory purchase the site," she said.
Senator Laura Harmon said building should not go ahead on the site
The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes estimated that 923 babies died at Bessborough Mother and Baby home between the 1920s and 1990s.
A vast majority of survivors were devastated by the decision announced last week by An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The Special Advocate for Survivors Patricia Carey described the decision as "abhorrent".
She called for a full investigation to locate and identify the remains and properly memorialise the burial site.
Read more: Allowing building at Bessborough site 'abhorrent' - advocate