Skeletal remains have been found by gardaí searching wasteland on Portrane Road in Donabate, in north country Dublin, which are believed to be those of missing child Daniel Aruebose, who has not been seen for over four years.
Gardaí previously said that following inquiries, and from information available, they were satisfied that Daniel has died.
Following the discovery, gardaí say the remains will be exhumed and the Garda Technical Bureau will conduct a forensic examination of the area where the body was found. A specialist forensic paediatric pathologist will be brought onto the investigation to conduct a post-mortem examination on the remains to try to establish the cause of death.
The scene has been preserved pending the arrival of a State pathologist and a forensic anthropologist.
Gardaí said that formal identification of the remains will now have to be carried out including DNA analysis.
Gardaí sealed off the area of wasteland just outside Donabate after speaking to Daniel’s parents and others, with one woman interviewed claiming to share specific information about where the little boy was buried.
Daniel Aruebose was initially given up for adoption after he was born, before being returned to his parents after being in foster care for some 18 months. Tusla did not have any involvement with the family since 2020.
While Gardaí suspect the 3-year old was killed or died around 2021, social welfare payments continued to be made for the child until checks were carried out and an investigation begun this year.