Gardaí in Donegal Town were last night investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the remains of a new-born baby girl at the Drumrooske estate in the town.
The discovery was made in the early hours of Wednesday morning by gardaí who arrived at the scene acting on information.
The remains were removed from the house and taken to Letterkenny General Hospital where the State pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy, carried out a post-mortem examination.
Throughout the day, gardaí maintained a presence at the three-bedroom council house at Drumrooske Estate, Donegal Town.
The scene was still being preserved and technically examined by the Garda crime scene unit last night.
It is understood the house was occupied by one man and two women all believed to be in their early 20s.
Neighbours, who were unaware of the tragedy unfolding on their doorsteps, described the occupants as quiet.
The mother of the deceased child and the other occupants of the house were helping gardaí with their enquiries.
No arrests have been made, and sources close to the investigation said none were anticipated.
Supt John McFadden, who is leading the investigation, declined to comment on the matter.
A spokesman for the Garda Press Office said it was too early to say if any arrests would be made.
"We have to establish the circumstances surrounding the death. We are continuing the investigation".
The post-mortem results, which will determine the cause of death, are not expected until this afternoon at the earliest.
Gardaí would not comment on how they became aware of the situation, stating only that this was part of the investigation.
They were also unable to state how long the remains had been at the scene, saying this would be clarified by the post-mortem results.