Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The site of the mass grave in Tuam. Niall Carson PA Archive/PA Wire

Second excavation gets underway into alleged mass grave at Mother and Baby home

It is alleged that 800 babies are buried at the site of the Mother and Baby Home in Galway.

A SECOND EXCAVATION is underway at the site of a former mother and baby home in Tuam, Co Galway.

The first excavation took place late last year, following allegations about the deaths of 800 babies, and the manner in which they were buried, at the home came to light nearly three years ago.

Both of these tests have been ordered by the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, which was tasked with investigating these allegations of mass graves at the site in Tuam.

A team of archaeologists have returned to the site, and will carry out excavations for the next few weeks.

TheJournal.ie understands that the team will conduct a more detailed examination than the first excavation, and also go deeper than the first.

Local historian Catherine Corless, who’d helped bring these claims to light, told TheJournal.ie that she had received little details about the latest search but had seen the team of archaeologists enter the site with a large digger.

The Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam is just one of 14 Mother and Baby Homes being investigated by the Commission.

The Commission is due to publish a report into its investigation into these homes in February 2018.

That report will be passed onto the Minister for Children, with Katherine Zappone currently holding that role.

In a statement released at the time of the first excavation, the minister said the stories from people who had lived in the home was “very distressing”.

She said she hoped the Commission would help former residents and relatives of those who had died at the homes.

Read: Excavation to take place at site of alleged mass grave at Tuam

Read: Explainer: What is happening with the possible mass grave of children in Tuam?

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
45 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hilary Briss
    Favourite Hilary Briss
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 5:47 PM

    And who pays the bill?
    Half a story here on the journal

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Justin Devaney
    Favourite Justin Devaney
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 5:55 PM

    Tom Feely will pay in bitcoins

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pa McGarry
    Favourite Pa McGarry
    Report
    Mar 6th 2014, 8:14 AM

    The €47k that the residents paid last year to Kildare Co Co in LPT would more than comfortably cover the cost of lighting and sewage…

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nicole Walsh
    Favourite Nicole Walsh
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 5:54 PM

    With no street lights how will the kids ever know when it’s time to come in?

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin J. McCarthy
    Favourite Martin J. McCarthy
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 6:31 PM

    I heard the post was late in another estate today. Where’s the journal on that one? One would think someone in the journal lives in the above estate.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jesco White
    Favourite Jesco White
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 6:05 PM

    I think there’s a pothole being filled in Dingle today also.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Begrudgy
    Favourite Begrudgy
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 6:12 PM

    Damn it. Dingle gets everything.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Animal
    Favourite Animal
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 5:52 PM

    Electricity for kilcock…. The future is now…..! Them swans in the canal must be delighted…!

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Louise Gorman
    Favourite Louise Gorman
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 8:23 PM

    No it’s not a “piss take” …
    Yes a lot of ppl have no street lights at all…. The difference with this estate is there are street lights – which have been switched off without notice – why should the next estate have lights and not this one??
    It is a built up town not two houses on a five mile country road! It needs lights for various reasons!
    There are many estates like this which did not make the news – as no one bothered to stand up and make it happen!!

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute in_zane_burger
    Favourite in_zane_burger
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 5:51 PM

    I’m sure the rate payers of Kildare will be happy.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jim McGourty
    Favourite Jim McGourty
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 6:39 PM

    This has to be a piss-take.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute OGGIE3rd
    Favourite OGGIE3rd
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 7:40 PM

    I’s hopes that youse can still see the stars ..lol lol

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute everlast mccarthy
    Favourite everlast mccarthy
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 5:50 PM

    At last, some light at the end of the tunnel!

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute stephen kavanagh
    Favourite stephen kavanagh
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 5:51 PM

    Such a relief

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Amphroaí Ó hAipilbí
    Favourite Amphroaí Ó hAipilbí
    Report
    Mar 5th 2014, 6:02 PM

    Um, what about the sewage plant? The maintenance of the lighting? Who will be paying to ensure services are maintained for the people living there?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pa McGarry
    Favourite Pa McGarry
    Report
    Mar 6th 2014, 8:12 AM

    The residents in the form of their Local property tax….. Its just a shame that the sheeple of Ireland are not prepared to stand up for what is their LEGAL rights.. When big Phil announced the LPT he justified it by saying it paid for street lighting. Chambers Park residents paid €47k last year in LPT, this would power the sewage system and pay for street lights for 3 YEARS.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Amphroaí Ó hAipilbí
    Favourite Amphroaí Ó hAipilbí
    Report
    Mar 6th 2014, 3:15 PM

    You misunderstand, Pa. I was asking which body would be responsible, the local authority? The article never even touched on such questions.

    As far as I can see, and your figures back it up, estate dwellers pay far more in LPT than they draw down.

    Yet another reason that ghost estates should be treated more equitably.

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds