Gardaí have appealed to the mother of a newborn baby found dead on a beach in Balbriggan to come forward.

A local volunteer cleaning the area found the infant at Bell's beach in Balbriggan at around 10am this morning.

The scene was sealed off for a technical examination of the area.

In a press conference at Balbriggan Garda Station, Sergeant Fiona Savidge said she believes the mother is in need of urgent medical attention.

The baby's body was removed to Temple Street Hospital before being taken to the City Morgue.

Gardaí said because of the position the baby was in, and because it was partially buried they do not yet know the baby's gender. The baby is Caucasian.

Gardaí appeal for mother of newborn baby found dead on beach in Balbriggan to come forward | Read more: https://t.co/3gbdDyDGeP pic.twitter.com/jkwwnLYWD2 — RTÉ News (@rtenews) December 15, 2018

Gardaí are concerned about the well-being of the child's mother and are appealing for her to come forward.

They are also appealing for anyone with information to contact Balbriggan Garda Station on 01-8020510.