Gardaí have today appealed for the mother of an abandoned baby discovered last week to come forward. A press conference was held earlier today during which gardaí admitted they were "very concerned" about the woman who gave birth to the child, who has been named Maria by staff at The Coombe hospital. Superintendent Brendan Connolly revealed that Maria, who was born between 24 and 36 hours before she was discovered by a passerby on the Streelstown Road, is doing well and assured her mother that she had "nothing to fear" by coming forward.

Items found with abandoned baby displayed http://t.co/7WnFFb4Bpg pic.twitter.com/Js3kXzTOYi

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) May 11, 2015

He added that the incident would be dealt with "sensitively and compassionately" before displaying items, including a green M&S bag and a cream fleece jumper, that were found with the baby in the hope that they would be recognised by someone who knew the woman. "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," he said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí at Clondalkin on 01 6667600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.