Gardaí working on information received after abandoned-baby appeal

It is reported that gardaí have received a number of calls from the public in response to an appeal for information about a baby found on a Dublin roadside.

The baby girl has been named Maria and has been cared for at the Coombe hospital since she was discovered last Friday in Rathcoole.

Maria could be healthy enough to be discharged from hospital shortly, after which she is likely to be placed in short-term foster care.

She was wrapped in a blue towel inside a black plastic bag and a paper Marks and Spencer Bag when she was found on the Steelstown Road four days ago.

Officers yesterday called on the child's mother to contact them. They promised anonymity and assured her she would be treated with compassion.

Child Welfare consultant Kieran Mc Grath said yesterday: "Every effort will be made to look after (the mother) and the baby, and to reunite them if possible.

"That does require an initial assessment to see what the circumstances were that led up to this and also what support she may need in the long-term."