Gardaí: No criminal investigation in abandoned baby case

Gardaí are emphasising that the investigation into a baby found abandoned in Dublin last week is not a criminal one.

Baby Maria was discovered by passers-by in Rathcoole one week ago today, naked and wrapped in a fleece inside a black plastic bag, which was inside a paper Marks and Spencers Bag.

Gardaí have been canvassing people in the area this afternoon, in the hope of "jogging their memory" in relation to the events of last Friday.

Today, Superintendent Brendan Connolly has reiterated his appeal for the mother to come forward.

"Mum has nothing to fear - absolutely nothing to fear - by coming forward to us. Tusla have been very clear that they are not going to force the issue," he told a press conference earlier.

"We just want to ensure that the mum is ok, that she receives any psychological or medical help she requires, that they can help her to move forward, and help her with her baby to move forward."