99 infant remains recovered at Tuam site as excavation uncovers 22 more

The excavation team at the former mother-and-baby institution in Tuam, County Galway, announced that a further 22 sets of infant remains were recovered, bringing the total to 99, the team said in its latest update covering a six-week period to 15 July.

The newly found remains were located in coffins on the site’s south-western edge in an area identified in historical documents as a burial ground. The bodies were moved to a newly fitted mortuary and laboratory in Toghermore, Tuam, established by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT).

Experts plan to clean, dry and examine the remains using radiology and 3D scanning with the aim of reconstructing details such as age and sex to narrow possible matches with existing records. ODAIT said this work could help connect skeletal individuals with names. Sixty-two people have provided DNA samples to assist identification efforts.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The excavation updates report the location of the latest finds, the transfer of remains to a dedicated mortuary and laboratory, and the forensic steps planned, including radiology and 3D scanning. The report states 62 DNA samples have been collected to support identification and confirms the site investigation and analysis are ongoing.

The Bon Secours Sisters, who ran the institution, previously acknowledged that children were buried in an unacceptable manner and have contributed £2.14m toward excavation costs. Galway County Council has also issued an apology for failing mothers and children following the inquiry report in 2021. Full excavation is scheduled to continue until 2027 with follow-up work to extend beyond that period.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Twenty-two additional infant remains were recovered in coffins, raising the total to 99.
• Remains were moved to a new mortuary and laboratory in Toghermore for cleaning, radiology, 3D scanning and analysis.
• Sixty-two people have given DNA samples to aid identification; excavation work is expected to continue until 2027.