Monday 14 July 2025
Full forensic excavation of site of former Mother and Baby Institution in Tuam has commenced
The full forensic excavation of the site of the former Mother and Baby Institution, Tuam, Co Galway has commenced. The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam has confirmed that ground was broken at 10.38am today (14.07.25).
The forensic excavation is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete. Access to the entire site is now closed off to the public and it is also concealed from view, with 24-hour security in place and 2.4-meter hoarding erected around the perimeter.
Daniel MacSweeney, who leads the ODAIT, 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.”
A visit for families and survivors to view the site ahead of the commencement of the full excavation took place last Tuesday (08.07.25) organised by ODAIT.
Dr. Niamh McCullagh, ODAIT’s Senior Forensic Consultant, is leading the forensic excavation alongside other Irish specialists and international experts from Colombia, Spain, UK, Canada, Australia and the US.
ODAIT’s multidisciplinary forensic approach to the complex challenge of the excavation is grounded in the expertise of forensic archaeologists, osteoarchaeologists, forensic anthropologists together with experts in crime scene management including evidence management and forensic photography.
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.
All media and photographer enquiries should be directed to Alice Public Relations on the contact details below.
For more information about the excavation and recovery programme, please see www.odait.ie.
Contact: 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 2151
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