Latest forensic update confirms remains of a further 22 coffined infants were found at the former institution site
The remains of 99 infants have now been recovered during the forensic excavation of the former Mother and Baby Institution site in Tuam.
The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam confirmed that the remains of a further 22 infants were recovered between June 1 and July 15.
The latest remains were found in coffins beneath an area which had previously been covered with bitumen and gravel and used for vehicle access. There were no surface markers indicating that burials were present.
The area had been identified as a burial ground in historical documents obtained during the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation.
The remains of 77 infants had previously been recovered from another section of the site. The latest 22 recoveries bring the total number of coffined infant remains found during the current excavation to 99.
Separate skeletal elements from at least one infant were also recovered from a subterranean chamber. However, investigators said there was no evidence that the remains had been deliberately placed in the chamber.
Forensic examination is beginning at a new mortuary and laboratory facility at Toghermore in Tuam. Specialists will clean, examine and analyse the remains in an effort to establish information such as age and sex and, where possible, assist in identifying individual children.
A total of 62 DNA reference samples have so far been collected from people who may be related to children buried at the site.
The forensic excavation began in July 2025 and is being carried out under the Institutional Burials Act 2022. The next technical update is expected in September.
