EXCAVATORS HAVE FOUND evidence of a second burial site where child sized graves have been discovered on the grounds of the former mother and baby home in Tuam. 

During the ongoing forensic excavation, an additional set of four human remains were recovered in an area which was referred to as “burial ground” in the historical documents referenced by the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation. 

Prior to excavation however, there were no surface or ground level indications of the potential for a burial ground at this location. 

These four sets of remains were buried in the same manner as that of the seven sets of human remains that were reported in previous reports on the progress of the dig. 

Indications are that all the remains belong to infants and were coffined. 

Forensic analysis of the remains is already underway. 

The excavation continues to retrieve large amounts of animal bone, which is consistent with the domestic functions of the site during its workhouse, military and Mother and Baby Home phases. 

The dig also continues to recover numerous material and objects from those phases of the site’s history. 

These include fragments of the institution building’s roof capping, an OXO bottle and datable discarded items such as crisp packets. 

The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam team is carrying out the excavation. 

Its led by the site co-ordinator. The team includes forensic osteoarchaeologists and forensic anthropologists as well as other specialist staff. 

The work commenced on 14 July. 

First updates about what is found are being provided to families and survivors. 

Work at the site will pause for the Christmas period but it will have 24/7 security and CCTV in operation.