Appeal for mother of baby found on Balbriggan beach to seek medical help

Gardaí and medical professionals are appealing for the mother of the baby found on a Dublin beach to seek help.

The baby girl's remains were discovered just before 10am on Saturday morning on a beach in Balbriggan. The infant has since been named 'Belle' after the part of the beach she was found on, Bell's Beach. Gardaí have urged the mother to come forward and seek medical attention. They stated yesterday that "no foul play" had been involved in the baby's death and that their only concern was for her health. Garda Inspector Brian Downey said that the incident is not being treated as a criminal investigation and that the baby had died before delivery. Speaking on Morning Ireland today, he said that the woman would be treated in confidence and urged her to contact Gardaí, Tusla, or a medical professional. Dr Rhona Mahony, Master of the National Maternity Hospital, added that the mother may be experiencing postpartum issues and that it was paramount for her to come forward for the sake of her health. "We will speak to her in absolute confidence," she said.

"Our primary motivation is care for her, so she need not be concerned in relation to Gardaí or being in trouble or being given out to, and we will absolutely deal with her in confidence. "Even if she just wants to talk to us. Our primary concern is her physical health and mental health."

Anybody with information can contact Balbriggan Garda Station on 01 8020510.