Search for missing boy in Dublin intensifies as Gardaí excavate site

The search for a missing boy in Dublin has entered its seventh successive day.

The boy, who would now be aged 7, is believed by Gardaí to have died and been secretly buried approximately four years ago.

The search has centred around the village of Donabate, where the boy is last believed to have resided.

Over the weekend, two separate zones in a field between Donate and Portrane were cordoned off. 

In the first zone, Gardaí combed through the long grass using strimmers and scythes. Meanwhile, a digger has been moved onto the site to excavate the second zone. 

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The search party has been regularly accompanied by a cadaver dog, which specialises in picking up the scent of human remains. 

Despite extensive searching, Gardaí are yet to find any remains at the site. They are also yet to determine whether the boy died of natural causes or whether there was foul play involved.

The search began last Tuesday after a social welfare claim was made related to the child. 

The claim resulted in checks being made about the boy’s welfare and whereabouts. The concerns were brought to the attention of child agency Tusla, who later contacted the Gardaí.