Evidence of additional graves of children and infants uncovered in Tuam

Eva Osborne

Excavations have shown evidence of additional potential graves of child or infant size at the site of the former Mother and Baby Institution in Tuam, Co Galway.

The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT) said notable evidence was recovered during the reporting period, October 30th to November 28th.

The blue outline in the image below is in the former yard area, and the excavation of the pump, well shaft, and connected drains continued.

In its report, the ODAIT said excavations carried out in the pink outline (white tent) showed "evidence of additional potential graves of child or infant size".

"This area corresponds to part of the area labelled as “burial ground” in historical documents referenced by the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation (MBHCOI).

"Despite these historical references, there were no surface or ground level indications of the possibility of a burial ground at this location prior to excavation.

The presence of burials at this location has now been confirmed.

"The layout and size of the graves is consistent evidence that, at this part of the site, there is a burial ground from the time of the operation of the Mother and Baby Institution."

An additional four sets of human remains have been recovered in the area of the pink outline (white tent).

The manner of burial of these four sets of human remains was consistent with that of the seven sets of human remains reported in an earlier technical update published on November 7th.

Initial assessments indicate that remains of all 11 individuals recovered to date belong to infants and were coffined. Forensic analysis is underway, ODAIT said.