Major excavation at Tuam mother and baby home burial site underway
The site is believed to contain the remains of at least 796 children who died in the former mother and baby home that was operated by the Bon Secours Sisters order between 1925 and 1961.
Eleven years ago, local historian Catherine Corless uncovered the names of the children who were born to unmarried mothers at the institution. They were buried in a disused sewage tank when they died.
The forensic excavation is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete, while the site itself at the centre of the Dublin Road housing estate is under forensic control and there is no public access to it.
In a statement, Daniel MacSweeney, who is Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam, said: 'These measures are necessary to ensure the site's forensic integrity and to enable us to carry out the works to the highest international standards that govern the excavation and recovery programme.'
Some of the families of the children who died in Tuam attended a family day last Tuesday, along with survivors from the home, which was organised by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention.
International experts
Senior forensic consultant Dr Niamh McCullagh is leading the forensic excavation alongside other Irish specialists and international experts from Colombia, Spain, Britain, Canada, Australia, and the US.
A multidisciplinary forensic approach to the complex challenge of the excavation is grounded in the expertise of forensic archaeologists, osteoarchaeologists, and forensic anthropologists, together with experts in crime scene management, including evidence management and forensic photography.
Photographs, drones, and video footage are strictly prohibited during the exhumation.
Chrissie Tully, whose son died while she was in the care of the Tuam home, said: 'I hope they find as many of the children as possible. It's been too long.
'I have been lighting my candle for the children all morning. It was lit by 10.38am so even though we weren't told the time, my candle was lit all morning.
'Please God they find them, and please God my son is found.'
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