- Gardaí have launched a search in Donabate, County Dublin, for a seven-year-old boy who is missing and presumed dead.
- The child, last known to reside at The Gallery Apartments, has not been seen for several years.
- The investigation was triggered by a referral from Tusla, Ireland’s child and family agency, following a social welfare application.
- Gardaí have taken control of an open field near the boy’s last known residence and appointed a senior investigating officer. No arrests have been made, and the search is ongoing.
A quiet stretch of open ground in Donabate has become the focus of a deeply unsettling search — one that could uncover the fate of a child who vanished years ago.
Gardaí confirmed they are investigating the disappearance of a boy who would now be seven years old. He was last known to live at The Gallery Apartments in Donabate, but there has been no confirmed sighting of him for several years.
The case came to light on August 29, when Tusla, Ireland’s child and family agency, flagged concerns after receiving a social welfare application. What followed was a rapid escalation: Gardaí took control of a nearby field on Monday evening and announced plans to search the area in the coming days.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said a senior investigating officer has been appointed, and all necessary resources are being deployed. The investigation is being run from an incident room at Swords Garda Station.
At this stage, Gardaí say they have found no evidence that the child is alive. He is officially classified as “missing, presumed dead.”
Tusla has pledged to work closely with Gardaí throughout the investigation. No arrests have been made, and authorities are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
The case has sparked national concern, with child protection advocates calling for an independent review once the search concludes. As the investigation unfolds, the country watches — hoping for answers, fearing the worst.
