Fears former orphanage may contain babies’ burial site

The land around former city orphanage, Lenaboy Castle, may contain a burial site for children like the one recently uncovered in Tuam, according to a senator and a historian.

The claim, made in Seanad Éireann this week, has led to calls for works not to proceed on-site at Taylor’s Hill until the full facts are known.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (SF) wants a full archaeological investigation of the area to rule out the possibility of a burial site.

His concerns are shared by historian, Catherine Corless, whose research uncovered substantial remains at the Mother and Baby Home in Tuam.

“A picture is beginning to emerge that there may be a burial site at Lenaboy. We’ve no definite proof, but now is the time to ask questions before it goes any further,” Ms Corless told the Galway City Tribune.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh said: “It’s of a similar vintage to the Tuam Mother and Baby Home. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that there may be a burial chamber underground at the site of Lenaboy Castle.”

The castle was transferred by the Sisters of Mercy to Galway City Council last month when plans for a “children and young people’s creative and cultural hub” were announced.
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