Tuam Mother and Baby Home forensic excavation

Forensic excavations at the former St. Mary’s Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, County Galway, have uncovered a total of 109 sets of infant remains. The most recent 11-week phase of the investigation yielded 10 additional sets of remains.

Investigators noted that all 109 sets of remains recovered to date show evidence of being buried in coffins. This finding addresses previous claims that children’s remains had been “dumped” at the site, as the remains were found in coffins that had since disintegrated.

The institution was operated by the Bon Secours Sisters on behalf of the Irish government between 1925 and 1961. The site became a focus of international attention after researcher Catherine Corless identified 796 death certificates for children and infants who lived at the home but had no recorded burial.

The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT) is coordinating efforts and working with Forensic Science Ireland to conduct DNA testing. Identification efforts involve collecting DNA samples from relatives, though investigators noted that Irish law is being updated to allow first cousins to provide such samples.