Updated 10.31pm

The area on Steelestown Road outside Rathcoole County Dublin, where a newborn baby was found. Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

THIS IS THE stretch of road in Rathcoole, County Dublin, where a baby girl was found by a couple last Friday afternoon.

At a press conference today, gardaí issued a fresh appeal for the mother of the newborn baby to come forward, assuring her that she would not be in trouble and that they want to offer her support.

The baby, who has been called Maria by those caring for her, is in a stable condition at the hospital and is “doing well”.

Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland Eamonn Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

Gardaí are not sure if she was born in a hospital but confirmed she was not in Rathcoole for very long. When found she was covered with a throw and plastic bag but was “very cold”.

Gardaí also confirmed that the child is Caucasian.

Garda media briefing at Clondalkin Garda Station this morning. Pictured are (LtoR) Sergeant Maeve O'Sullivan, Rita Byrne, Principal Social Worker with the Child and Family Agency, Tusla and Superintendent Brendan Connolly. Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

“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,” Superintendent Brendan Connolly said today.

This mother has nothing to fear, we are here to help and the matter will be dealt with compassionately and sensitively.

At a conference, gardaí displayed a number of items – replicas of those found with the baby on Friday. They included a green paper Marks and Spencer bag, a black plastic refuse sack and a fleece throw from Primark Home.

“Somebody out there must recognise these items and we are appealing for anyone who can assist us to contact us here in Clondalkin Garda Station,” continued Superintendent Connolly.

“Sergeant Maeve O’Sullivan of the Child Protection Unit here in Clondalkin and her staff are available at any time. Anyone, or indeed any family member or friends, wishing to speak with Sergeant O’Sullivan will be dealt with with the utmost discretion.”

The baby is currently being cared for in hospital, with gardaí working with both Tusla and the HSE.

It is now believed that the baby girl was born 24 to 26 hours prior to her discovery on Steelstown Lane at 3.30pm on Friday.

Reporting by Paul Hosford and Michelle Hennessy.

First published 11.46pm

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