Plans to scan burial site at Roscrea Mother and Baby Home progressing

Pictured above at the Angel's Plot after their meeting this week are Killian O’Dea and Jonathan Markham (Precision Utility Mapping), Deputy Martin Browne, Michael Donovan, Teresa Collins, Cllr Ger Darcy, Cllr Michael Smith, Ger Walshe (Tipperary County Council).

The 'We are Still Here' Sean Ross Abbey Survivors Group have revealed there has been significant progress made on plans for further ground scans on a small parcel of land at a burial ground in Sean Ross Abbey.

Following recent confirmation that the Department of Children will fund scans on grounds at Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea, the 'We are Still Here' group met at the site of the former Mother and Baby Home with representatives of Tipperary County Council and the firm who will be carrying out the scans, Precision Utility Mapping.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the need for the underground scans and to hear from the company who will carry out the work involved.

Speaking afterwards, Teresa Collins said: “It was hugely positive to make this move forward and to host representatives of Tipperary County Council and Precision Utility Mapping at the site where scans for any possible undetected burials will take place in the near future.

“This scan will take place on a parcel of land adjacent to the Angels’ Plot where the Commission of Investigation undertook investigations a number of years ago.

“According to the Commission of Investigation, the total number of infant deaths having occurred at Sean Ross Abbey amounted to 1078. However, it is not feasible to conclude that all burials occurred in the relatively confined space of the Angels’ Plot where the Commission of Investigation carried out some investigative works.

“This necessitates the need for separate scans of a particular area of land adjacent to the Angels’ Plot.

“As a representative organisation, we applied to the Department for funding to do this.

“I am glad to say that funding was approved following extensive representations from Deputy Martin Browne to Minister Roderic O’Gorman, and the crucial support from Tipperary County Council, who were represented on the day by Cathaoirleach Ger Darcy, Cllr Michael Smith and Ger Walshe Senior Executive Officer at Corporate Services.

“These works will consist of non-invasive ground scans.

“That work will be carried out by Precision Utility Mapping who were represented by Jonathan Markham and Killian O’Dea who were briefed by myself and Michael Donovan on why this parcel of land was identified as needing scans, and how the nature of the process is sensitive one, given that its soul purpose is to recognise the children whose burial, in many cases, remain unresolved.

“Jonathan and Killian also briefed all present on what would be involved in the process, including the clearance of foliage and the scanning process itself.

“That discussion proved hugely positive, and it is hoped that works will be able to commence within the weeks or months to come and will conclude this year.

“We would like to thank all who assisted us to-date, including Tipperary County Council, Tony Donlan (owner of Sean Ross Abbey), Johnathan and Killian at Precision Utility Mapping, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, as well as Deputy Martin Browne and Michael Donovan, and of course all who have provided us with information from their experiences of Sean Ross Abbey", Teresa Collins said.