Overview
- ODAIT forensic experts confirmed seven sets of skeletal remains assessed as infants in an area adjacent to underground vaulted structures at the Tuam grounds.
- The vaulted structures are separate from the multi‑chambered tank in the memorial garden, which is scheduled for later excavation.
- Radiocarbon dating and other analyses are underway to determine whether the infant remains date to the workhouse, military, or mother-and-baby home periods, with results expected to take at least three months.
- In a separate area, additional remains consistent with the workhouse era were recovered, and earlier recoveries from the former workhouse yard now total seven, with ODAIT cooperating with the National Museum of Ireland on historic remains.
- ODAIT will contact people who registered interest in providing DNA samples in the coming weeks as the identification programme advances, while the methodical excavation that began in July is expected to take up to two years.