Gardai have begun a search of open ground in north Dublin in the case of a missing child who is feared dead.

In a statement, Gardaí say the boy is last known to have lived at the Gallery Apartment complex in Donabate and would now be seven years old.

The boy hasn't been seen in a number of years. It's believed he was three years old when he was last seen alive.

Officers have taken control of an area of open ground in Donabate which will be searched in the coming days.

Gardaí cordon off open land on Portrane Road in Donabate in Dublin as part of the investigation into a missing 7-year-old boy 02/09/2025. Photo: Stephanie Rohan

An investigation was launched on Friday after a case was referred to police by the Child and Family Agency, Tusla.

Gardaí have said are not in a position to identify the boy at this time and are keeping an open mind into what happened.

No arrests have been made and gardai in Swords are investigating.

Questions have been raised about how a young boy can be missing with nobody in Authority realising it.

Additional reporting by Stephanie Rohan