Preparatory work has commenced at a mass burial site associated with a historic mother and baby institution in the Republic of Ireland. In 2016, investigators discovered a significant number of human remains in underground chambers at the Tuam site in County Galway. These remains were confirmed to belong to infants and young children up to three years old. The institution, managed by the Bon Secours Sisters, a Catholic order of nuns, operated until 1961, providing shelter for unmarried mothers and their offspring during a time when societal norms in Ireland ostracized such women.

The excavation process at the site is being supervised by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention (ODAIT), an independent entity established under the Irish Institutional Burials Act 2022. The primary goal is to recover, analyze forensically, memorialize, and respectfully bury the human remains found at the location. In the upcoming weeks, family members and survivors of the institution will be given the opportunity to observe the perimeter of the site, which is under forensic control, to witness the ongoing activities.

Daniel MacSweeney from ODAIT stated that starting on Monday, access to the entire site, including the memorial garden, will be restricted to authorized personnel conducting the excavation. The area will be under constant security surveillance, with the initial four weeks dedicated to setting up the site, including the installation of a 2.4-meter hoarding around the perimeter. These precautions are essential to maintain the forensic integrity of the site and ensure that the excavation and recovery processes adhere to the highest international standards.

This excavation is described as unique and complex, requiring meticulous planning and execution to handle the sensitive nature of the human remains and provide closure to the families affected by the tragic history associated with the mother and baby institution.