22 more sets of infant remains recovered from site of Tuam Mother and Baby Home
Eva Osborne
22 more sets of infant remains have been recovered from the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam.
It brings the total number of remains found to date to 33, while excavators believe all bodies were buried between 1925 and 1961, when the home was open.
Eight more people have given family reference DNA samples, bringing the total to 28, while a further 175 people have enquired about providing samples.
Campaigner and historian, Catherine Corless, said the infant remains were all buried in coffins.
"Infants can be up to two years old. We know that from all the death certs," she said.
"We don't know how many they're going to find because they're half way excavating that driveway into the memorial garden.
"There are bits of timber along with the remains. They're not too far down. They're down about two or three foot I think."
The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT) said the excavation continues to recover material and objects from the four phases of the site’s history.
"All evidence recovered is being photographed, catalogued, and retained by ODAIT in a dignified and respectful manner consistent with international standards and best practice."
The 33 sets of infant human remains recovered to date from the red outline area were buried during the period of operation of the Mother and Baby Institution Tuam (1925-61), ODAIT said.
The seven sets of human remains from the area adjacent to the boundary wall at the south of the site (green outline) were buried during the Workhouse era (1841 - 1918).
