Gardai have stated that a baby who was abandoned on the roadside in Rathcoole earlier this year is thriving but they still have not made contact with the mother.

Earlier this year, Gardai issued an appeal to Baby Maria's mother to come forward - saying she has nothing to fear.

Maria was found in Steelstown inside a black plastic bag, which was inside a paper Marks and Spencer Bag.

The baby girl is thought to have been between 24 to 36 hours old when she was found on the Steelstown Road, near Rathcoole close to the N7.

Gardaí have once again stated they are very concerned for the mother's well-being.

"We have still not located baby Maria's mother and we would appeal again for her mother or father or anyone else who may know anything to contact the gardaí," a garda source said.

According to the Irish Independent, baby Maria is being looked after by foster parents and will have to remain in foster care until she is 18. Under Irish law, only her biological parents can sign adoption papers.