Plea for mother to come forward after newborn found

Member of public noticed apparently abandoned infant in Rathcoole area

Gardaí preserve the scene on Steelstown Road in Rathcoole, Co Dublin after a baby girl was discovered by a member of the public. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins
Gardaí preserve the scene on Steelstown Road in Rathcoole, Co Dublin after a baby girl was discovered by a member of the public. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins

Gardaí have said they are concerned for the wellbeing of a mother following the discovery of a newborn girl wrapped in plastic in west Dublin on Friday.

Gardaí issued an appeal for information, stressing the welfare of the mother as the priority after the baby girl was brought to hospital where she was said to be in a stable condition.

She was discovered by a member of the public at about 3.30pm near a business premises on the Steelstown Road in Rathcoole, south Dublin.

She received medical attention at the scene before being brought to Tallaght Hospital.

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"Gardaí are concerned for the welfare of the mother of this child and are appealing for her to seek immediate medical treatment and to contact gardaí, who are anxious to reunite her with her baby," said Supt Brendan Connolly at Clondalkin Garda station.

Child and family agency

In the meantime, the welfare of the child will be the responsibility of Tusla, the child and family agency.

Local People Before Profit Alliance councillor Gino Kenny said concern must now lie with the welfare of the mother.

“She must be in a very, very distressed state. We don’t know the circumstances behind the whole case but it’s imperative that any family or friends [who may know her identity] make contact with the appropriate services and that they are reunited,” he said.

“It’s good that the baby is fine and now hopefully the mother can be found and reunited.”

Anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the mother are urged to contact gardaí at Clondalkin on (01) 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line or any other station.

Mark Hilliard

Mark Hilliard

Mark Hilliard is a reporter with The Irish Times