The scene was cordoned off yesterday morning to allow garda forensic officers to carry out technical examinations
A manhunt is continuing this evening following the horrific rape of a woman in a west-Dublin estate.
The incident happened at about 1.40am yesterday in the Monastery area of Clondalkin.
The victim was subjected to a terrifying ordeal in what has been described as "a particularly violent attack".
She was set upon as she walked along a road in the estate, which is located between Clondalkin village and the N4 dual-carriageway.
The woman was transferred to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) in the Rotunda Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries.
The unit provides specialist treatment for women and men aged 14 years or older who have been subjected to rape or other sexual assault.
The scene was cordoned off yesterday morning to allow garda forensic officers to carry out technical examinations of the area.
Detectives from Clondalkin Garda Station are investigating the crime. No arrests have yet been made.
Local councillor Gino Kenny described the incident as "truly horrific", and called on anyone with information to contact investigating gardai.
"It is a truly horrific crime, and hopefully the perpetrator will be apprehended as soon as possible," the People Before Profit councillor said.
"Obviously my sympathies go to the victim at this horrific time.
"That part of Clondalkin is normally a very quiet area, and it shows that unfortunately incidents like this can occur anywhere.
"I would appeal for anyone with information about this horrifying attack to contact gardai with information."
Figures recorded by the Central Statistics Office show that rape and sexual assault offences have decreased in the area.
In the first quarter of this year there were 35 recorded offences in the Dublin Metropolitan Region western division, which incorporates garda stations including Clondalkin, Lucan and Blanchardstown.
The figure has decreased significantly since 2010, when their were 105 recorded rape and sexual assault offences during the same period.
Gardai from Clondalkin Garda Station are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 01-666 7600.
Robin Schiller