Remains of another 36 infants recovered from burial site at Tuam mother and baby home

The exhumation began last July, following a lengthy investigation into the mass burial site at the former mother‑and‑baby home, first uncovered in 2014, where up to 796 children died.

The remains of another 36 infants have been recovered from the burial site at Tuam mother and baby home. 

Up to three children were buried in the same coffin, some of which were damaged by mechanical diggers. 

That is according to the latest technical report, published on Friday morning.

This brings the total number of infants recovered from the location to date to 69.

The exhumation began last July, following a lengthy investigation into the mass burial site at the former mother and baby home, first uncovered in 2014, where up to 796 children died.

Monthly reports have been issued since then from the Office of the Director of the Authorised Intervention at Tuam.

This month’s report states: “Manual excavation continues under the cover of the tented enclosure in the red outline.

“Results of excavation indicate that these infants were buried in coffins which have since decayed.

“The evidence indicates that the majority of coffins were single shouldered with mounts and had been painted white.

“In a small number of instances, two or three individuals were buried in the same coffin.

“As previously reported, within this area a large feature or area, of over 3m in width has been identified."

It said the evidence to date shows that “some burials were disturbed in the creation of this feature through the use of a mechanical digger".

“Tool marks on the sides and base of this feature provide evidence consistent with the use of a mechanical excavator fitted with a toothed bucket.

“This feature was then backfilled with sand, gravel and building debris. An examination of available aerial photography indicates that this disturbance took place sometime after 1977, however, further excavation will assist in establishing a more accurate timeframe for this event”.

The report says the Office of the Director of the Authorised Intervention at Tuam is nearing completion of its forensic facility and mortuary.

This facility will provide the necessary space for large-scale analysis and storage of human remains, evidence, and artefacts, and will assist the office to continue respecting international standards and best practice.

Meanwhile, anyone who believes they may be related to a child buried at the site is being asked to come forward and enquire about providing a DNA sample.

A public information campaign will launch in the coming months. 

The office said that five more family DNA samples have been taken since last month and they are being examined by Forensic Science Ireland, bringing the total to 33 samples.

The team will be taking more samples over the coming weeks in Ireland, the UK, and US.

Inquires can be made by phone or email [phone], email [e-mail], or visit  odait.ie for more information