Further 22 sets of infant remains found in Tuam site

An additional 22 sets of infant remains have been recovered by forensic excavations at the site of a former mother and baby home in Tuam, Co Galway.

The total number of sets of infant remains uncovered by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention Tuam (ODAIT) since it began work at the site in July is now 33.

The excavation of the site of St Mary’s mother and baby home in Tuam is attempting to identify the remains of infants who died at the home between 1925 and 1961.

In 2014, research led by local historian Catherine Corless indicated that 796 babies and young children were buried in a sewage system at the Co Galway institution across that time period.

All remains are of infants that were buried in coffins during the period of operation of the mother and baby home between 1925 and 1961, according to the ODAIT’s opinion following radiocarbon dating.

These remains were found in part of the area labelled as “burial ground” in historical documents referenced by the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation (MBHCOI).

The ODAIT said it believes a further seven sets of human remains from the area adjacent to the boundary wall were buried during the Workhouse era of the site (1841 to 1918). 

Meanwhile, the team is constructing an artificial replica of the historic sewage system at the site to test different methodologies.

It said the excavation of the comingled infant remains identified during the 2016/2017 excavations in the subsurface concrete chambers in the Memorial Garden presented a “unique combination of forensic and engineering challenges”.

To test varying methodologies and ensure adherence to international standards and best practice, the ODAIT is constructing an above ground replica of a section of the tank.

Since the last update, eight more family reference DNA samples have been taken and delivered to Forensic Science Ireland – bringing the total to 28.

The team is engaging with a further 175 people who have contacted ODAIT to inquire about providing a DNA sample.

To date, over 65 cases are being processed for determination of eligibility, with arrangements being made to take their samples in the coming weeks.