Friday, 29th August 2025
Technical Update from the forensic excavation at the site of the former Mother and Baby Institution in Tuam, Co.Galway
Period covered: 14th July to 22nd August 2025
Forensic excavation of the site of the former Mother and Baby Institution in Tuam began on 14th July 2025.
In the first six weeks, excavation has focused on two areas: the site of a former workhouse yard (outlined in blue in the below picture) and the high stone boundary wall at the eastern side of the site (outlined in yellow below). Machine excavation commenced in the former yard of the workhouse, adjacent to the playground to the northeast of the site, while hand excavation was undertaken in the form of Test Trenches abutting the 19th century boundary wall.
ODAIT’s research indicates a low likelihood of human remains being present in the areas referred to above.
Excavation findings to date:
The excavations have uncovered materials from four main eras in the site’s history:
- Post-institutional: 1961 onwards, i.e. the period since the Mother and Baby Institution ceased operating at this site.
- Institutional: 1925 to 1961, i.e. the period during which the Mother and Baby Institution was operational.
- Military: 1918 to 1925. During the War of Independence and Irish Civil War era, the location was used first by the British Army and then by the Irish National Army.
- Workhouse: 1841 to 1918. The building was originally built as a workhouse in 1841.
In both locations where excavations have taken place to date, objects from all of these periods were identified and recovered, as well as objects from earlier ancient and unrelated dates. In addition, the upper stratigraphy of the site is composed of a modern topsoil closely associated with construction deposits from the 1970s. This highlights the complexity of the site and confirms the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam’s (ODAIT’s) expectations that materials found at the site would date from several different eras.
Notable evidence recovered to date:
Structures
A circular subterranean feature was located. It is consistent with the location of a “pump” from the 19th century mapping. The southeastern wall of this yard was also identified as the excavation continued west. These were expected in this area as they are indicated on historic Ordnance Survey mapping. Excavation of these features is ongoing.
Material evidence
The Test Trenches uncovered numerous personal items dating from the institutional era, including shoes, spectacles and glass baby bottle feeders. The lower soil layers in these trenches contained glass bottles, likely of pre-institutional date, possibly military era, and a chamber pot. Ancient and unrelated material (medieval pottery) has also been found mixed through the more recent deposits.
Human remains
ODAIT expert osteoarchaeologists confirmed that a single fragment of a dissociated human adult tooth has been found in the upper stratigraphy. This is currently undergoing analysis. This recovery is testament to the detailed methods that are being used on the site.
Animal bone
Large amounts of animal bone have been retrieved. Much of this is likely from the institution, military and workhouse kitchens.
All evidence recovered is being photographed, catalogued and retained by ODAIT.
The excavation continues.
Mortuary and temporary offsite facility
The OPW has entered into a licence agreement with the HSE that will enable ODAIT to use a part of the HSE’s Toghermore campus outside of Tuam for its mortuary facility, where forensic analysis of any human remains and evidence recovered from the Tuam site will take place. Works to adapt the facility for ODAIT’s needs are in the planning stage. In the interim, ODAIT is using a temporary offsite facility located in Headford, Co. Galway, for the storage and initial forensic analysis of some items recovered from the Tuam site.
For more information about the excavation and recovery programme, please see www.odait.ie.
About the ODAIT Forensic Excavation
Excavation at the site of the former Tuam Mother and Baby Institution is being conducted by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam under the Institutional Burials Act 2022.
In its day-to-day work, the ODAIT Forensic Excavation Team on site is led by the site co-ordinator. The team includes four forensic archaeologists, four osteoarchaeologists and forensic anthropologists, as well as a forensic evidence manager and a forensic photographer. They are supported by a main contractor who has supplied a team of construction professionals including skilled machine operators.
Forensic excavation commenced on 14th July 2025. This report covers weeks one to six of the forensic excavation works on site, covering progress up until close of business (COB) on 22nd August 2025.
ODAIT will provide updates to families and survivors and to the media on a monthly basis.
Media Queries
All media and photographer enquiries should be directed to Alice Public Relations on: Maisie Lynch / Abigail Bennett, Alice Public Relations, Email: media@alicepr.com / Telephone: +353 (0)86 896 6298 / +353 (0)86 227 7174 / +353 (0)1 558 215
Protocol for Media and Photographers
For the duration of the works, access to the site by the public, media and photographers is prohibited. This is necessary to protect the integrity of the forensic examination, respect the sensitive nature of the excavation and recovery programme, respect survivors and family members, and respect the privacy and professionalism of staff and allow them to fully focus on carrying out the works. Therefore, for the entire duration of the works, media and photographers must refrain from visiting the site and seeking to engage with staff.
-ENDS-
