Community Coming to Terms with Discovery of Childrens’ Bodies at Tuam Mother and Baby Home

Connacht Tribune
March 3, 2017

http://connachttribune.ie/community-coming-to-terms-with-discovery-of-childrens-bodies-at-tuam-mother-and-baby-home/

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The community in Tuam and affected families around the world are this evening coming to terms with the shocking confirmation that an unspecified number of babies and children were buried at the site of the former mother and baby home in the town.

The Commission of Investigation into mother and baby homes across Ireland has been carrying out excavations at the location in recent months.

The story is this evening being featured by national and international media outlets

The Commission of Investigation examining the issue says the shocking discovery was made in 17 of 20 underground chambers intended to be used as part of a sewage system.

Tests on a sample of the remains have dated to them to the 1950s – when the mother and baby home was in operation.

Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone says the discovery is not unexpected, but is still deeply disturbing and must be appropriately responded to.

Just 4 residents have this afternoon attended a hastily arranged meeting following the discovery of childrens’ remains at the Tuam mother and baby home.

Up to 120 residents of the Dublin Road/Athenry Road area were informed late this morning of the meeting, which was hosted at Tuam Town Hall by the county council.

In a statement, the County Council says it recognises that the confirmation provided by the Commission will be the cause of upset – and will be particularly difficult for those with personal connections to the site.

It adds that the Council is conscious of the concerns of local residents and is engaging and supporting those residents as they come to terms with today’s revelation.

It asks that their right to privacy is respected during this difficult time.

The local authority also says it is committed to facilitating an appropriate consultation process in the short-term regarding the future of the site.

Local historian Catherine Corless, whose research led to the Commission of Investigation says it’s a relief that the truth is finally emerging.