Results from ground scans at Angel's Plot in Roscrea show anomalies

Results from underground scans of a portion of ground located near a burial plot located on the grounds of Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea carried out last year have been returned and show anomalies in a portion of the site.

The new subterranean investigation work began in October and marked what the survivors group described as an 'historic day' where they reached a significant milestone in their work towards ascertaining the truth pursuit regarding undocumented burials at the former mother and baby home.

The mother and baby home survivors group 'We Are Still Here Sean Ross Abbey Group' have confirmed that all scans of a portion of land at Sean Ross Abbey have been completed, and the report has been received.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Teresa Collins said: “The group is pleased to note that following the conclusion of ground scans that took place at the beginning of October, the report has now been received from the company who carried out the scans (Precision Utility Management) and its results are being considered.

“According to the Commission of Investigation, the total number of infant deaths having occurred at Sean Ross Abbey was 1078. Taking this into account, it was not feasible to believe that all burials occurred in the relatively confined space of the Angels’ Plot.

“An area of land adjacent to the Angels’ Plot could be considered a natural extension to that burial site. However, as it was under separate ownership to the Angels’ Plot at the time of the Commission’s investigation, it was excluded from examination at the time", Ms Collins said.

“That has changed since then, however. So, due to the location of the site, and with the assistance of some local knowledge, it was deemed an area of interest by people with a knowledge of it.

“After securing permission to examine the site from the owner of Sean Ross Abbey Tony Donlan, and after Deputy Martin Browne approached Minister O’Gorman on a number of occasions about the need for further investigations, we engaged in a process with the Department’s Memorialisation and Historic Burials Unit to secure funding.

“Tipperary County Council convened a working group to assist us in this, and their assistance has been invaluable.

“Approval was eventually given to us, and in October scans finally took place and we can confirm that we have now received the results which show a number of anomalies in separate locations in the site.

“While these are interesting results, the exact nature of these anomalies has yet to be determined and could be due to a number of factors. Because of this, we have submitted the results to the Department for their consideration.

“After the department has had time to consider the results, we will engage with them further to discuss our next course of action", Teresa Collins said.

According to the Commission of Investigation, the total number of infant deaths at Sean Ross Abbey was 1,078. However, the survivors group say 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 necessitated the need for separate scans of a particular area of land adjacent to the Angels’ Plot, which will consisted of non-invasive ground scans.