Further Excavation at Former Tuam Home Site

Galway Independent
February 15, 2017

http://www.galwayindependent.com/news/topics/articles/2017/02/15/4134952-further-excavation-at-former-tuam-home-site/

Further excavation works are continuing at the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam.

The excavation of the Memorial Garden off the Dublin Road in Tuam began in late January and is expected to last up to three weeks. The works are being conducted by a specialist team of archaeologists lead by a Forensic Archaeologist, with the co-operation of An Garda Siochana.

The excavation, organised by Mother and Baby Homes Commission, follows on from initial works last November. The excavation aims to resolve a number of queries that the Mother and Baby Homes Commission has “in relation to the interment of human remains” at the site. The excavation works are focusing on timelines and stratigraphy, a branch of geology which studies rock layers. A fraction of the site will be excavated through test trenches, the location of which have been informed by a geophysical survey carried out at the site in October 2015. Meanwhile, the deadline for anyone wishing to meet the Commission’s Confidential Committee, who are investigating the Tuam Home, is Wednesday 1 March. The Commission would like to hear from anyone who was resident in or who worked in the Tuam Home or any of the other 13 Mother and Baby Homes or four County Homes under investigation.

“We would also like to hear from people who have personal knowledge about the homes, for example, family members of residents, regular visitors or those who supplied services to the homes,” said a Commission spokesperson.

All meetings are held in private and a Commission spokesperson said that “people who are interviewed are guaranteed confidentiality.” The Commission also welcomes written submissions.

Anyone wishing to contact the Commission can do so on Freephone 1800-80-66-88 or email info@mbhcoi.ie . See www.mbhcoi.ie for more details.