Male foetus found in sewage works

GARDAÍ have appealed for the mother of a foetus found in a sewage works to come forward amid fears for her health.

The superintendent of the small facility in Borris, Co Carlow, discovered the 20-week-old male foetus at 9.10am yesterday.

The foetus was taken to Dublin City Morgue, where a post mortem was conducted by State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy. The post mortem determined that the foetus had not lived independently.

Gardaí investigating the discovery have urged the mother to make contact with them, either by herself or through an intermediary.

“There may be concerns for her health,” a garda statement said last night.

“Any communication will be dealt with with the utmost compassion and sensitivity.”

Carlow County Council was reluctant to comment on the case yesterday, given that the investigation was ongoing.

However, a spokesman said the local authority was “99% certain” the foetus had not been left at the facility, but had instead come through the sewage system itself.

“Our guess is that the foetus came by gravity through the pipework,” he said.

The foetus was found at screens designed to remove large objects from the sewage before it enters the plant.

The superintendent - the sole worker at the facility - was “in a state of shock”, the spokesman said.

Many villagers were still unaware of the discovery last night.

However, local Green Party councillor Mary White said it was tragic that the mother had been unable to find the supports she clearly needed.

“My concern would be for the mother, who has clearly gone suffered huge emotional trauma, and I would ask her to come forward,” Ms White said. “She can be assured that the gardaí will treat her case with the utmost confidentiality.”

Gardaí at Thomastown are handling the case, and can be contacted on 056-7754150.