GARDAI will search a property this week as part of their probe into the murder of Kyran Durnin.
Investigators have identified a building in Co Louth that could lead to the discovery of the eight-year-old’s body.
Gardai will search a property this week as part of their probe into the murder of Kyran DurninGarda/PA Wire
The latest development comes after a vigil was held for the Louth lad outside St Peter’s Church, in Drogheda, on Sunday nightCiara Wilkinson
The gathering was organised by the local community to remember the schoolboyCiara Wilkinson
Ciara WilkinsonOne message left at the church said ‘Bring Kyran home’[/caption]
Once it has been secured, a full search is expected to take place, with a source telling The Irish Sun: “Everything possible is being done to find Kyran.”
Kyran was reported missing on August 30.
He is believed to be dead after Gardai established no “proof of life” during their hunt for the lad.
The last public sighting of the boy was in 2022.
One source said: “The investigation has intensified and the Garda team has had great co-operation from the general public.
“One place has been identified and a search of this building could be undertaken soon. Gardai will look at multiple locations to see if they could yield any evidence of Kyran’s whereabouts. This remains a very sensitive case.”
The latest development comes after a vigil was held for the Louth lad outside St Peter’s Church, in Drogheda, on Sunday night.
The gathering was organised by the local community to remember the schoolboy. It was attended by the child’s relatives and friends.
One message left at the church said “Bring Kyran home”.
One local told The Irish Sun: “It was great to see lots of people turn out to remember this poor child. People across Co Louth are shocked that this could happen to a child.
“The vigil also offers support to members of Kyran’s family.
“Everyone is just praying that he can be found.”
Investigators at Drogheda Garda Station launched a murder inquiry last week. It followed a six-week missing person’s probe.
Gardai later received information that Kyran was last seen in 2022.
After extensive inquiries, cops have not been able to corroborate any evidence of his whereabouts since, or any proof that he is alive.
TUSLA REQUEST
Detectives are also working with Interpol and the UK authorities on the investigation.
Meanwhile, Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman yesterday requested that Tusla send all its files on Kyran to a panel which looks into the death of any child with links to State care.
The Green Party leader said this would not usually happen until an investigation has been completed.
But, in this case, he has asked the children and family agency to disclose any case files to the National Review Panel.
‘CONSEQUENCES’
Minister O’Gorman said it will help the investigators understand Tusla’s involvement in the case.
And he said that following the conclusion of the Garda probe, there will be “consequences” if it is found that any State agency has failed in its role.
Minister O’Gorman said: “Kyran’s case is deeply, deeply tragic, and I’m aware there’s an ongoing Garda investigation taking place, so I want to couch my comments in light of that.
“If any part of the State, if any State agency, State apparatus, State body failed, yes, there will be consequences.”
‘EXAMINING CLOSELY’
He continued: “From my Department’s point of view, I’ve asked Tusla to send this case to the National Review Panel.
“That’s the panel that looks at the death of any child who had links to the caring infrastructure of the State, that usually takes place at the end of an investigation.
“But I’ve asked Tusla already to send that now so we can understand the child and family agency’s involvement in this particular case.
“I have no doubt other parts of the State will also be examining closely what happened here, while at the same time recognising there’s an ongoing investigation into this tragedy.”
Kyran is described as being 3ft 3in in height, with medium build, brown eyes and brown hair.
Cops have urged anyone with any info on Kyran’s disappearance to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200.
They added: “Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, will be welcomed. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
The last public sighting of Kyran was in 2022
Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman has meanwhile requested that Tusla send all its files on Kyran to a panel which looks into the death of any child with links to State careDamien Storan/PA Wire