GARDAÍ are investigating the discovery of a stillborn baby, understood to be a girl, at a recycling plant in Co Wicklow.
State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy carried out a preliminary examination at the scene at the Greenstar facility in Fassaroe after the body was fond yesterday morning.
Gardaí were called to the plant at around 11am when the remains were discovered as recyclable waste was being sorted.
The baby's remains were removed from the scene yesterday evening. A post-mortem examination is expected to take place today.
Gardaí said last night their focus was on the wellbeing of the mother.
Superintendent Pat Ward urged the mother to come forward.
"Our main focus is the mum, we've very concerned for the health and welfare of the mother, we believe at this stage that the baby was stillborn, but if the child was stillborn or not, the mum will still medical attention. We are making a heartfelt appeal for the mum to contact us," he said.
The plant takes in recycling from across the Republic.
Garda technical experts carried out a forensic examination yesterday.
Greenstar, a waste company with a recycling plant at Fassaroe, in Bray, confirmed it was helping investigators.
"We are supporting the gardaí with their enquiries," a spokeswoman said.
"The company will not be making any statement regarding the incident."
The recycling plant has several large sheds.
The Garda operation appeared to be focused around one particular machine at the rear of one of the sheds.
Forensic detectives dressed in white overalls could be seen at the machine sifting through waste close to a conveyor belt.
A Garda photographer was also present at the scene.
