A renewed appeal has been made for information relating to the disappearance and murder of Drogheda child Kyran Durnin on what would have been his 10th birthday.
Kyran has now been missing for four years, with Gardaí continuing their investigation into the case and efforts to locate his remains.
Senator Alison Comyn marked the day by urging anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to contact Gardaí.
“May 15th should have been a day of celebration for Kyran Durnin as he reached his 10th birthday. Instead it is another deeply painful reminder of a little boy who is missing from his community and of the heartbreak carried by people who knew and cared about him,” she said.
“My thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy and I want to encourage anyone who may have information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to come forward to An Garda Síochána.
“The Garda investigation remains ongoing and it is vital that every possible avenue continues to be pursued.”
Senator Comyn said the case has had a lasting impact on Drogheda and communities across the country and has prompted wider discussions around child protection and safeguarding systems.
“This case has profoundly affected Drogheda and communities right across the country. It has also led to very serious reflection across government departments and agencies about how vulnerable children are safeguarded, how information is shared, and how warning signs are identified and acted upon,” she said.
“The recommendations arising from the National Review Panel make it clear that there are lessons to be learned across a number of areas, including school attendance tracking, cross-border information sharing, social work procedures, wait list management and inter agency communication. It is essential that these recommendations are fully implemented.”
She added:
“No family or community should ever face circumstances like this.
“The greatest tribute we can pay to Kyran is to ensure that every possible lesson is learned and that every possible protection is put in place for vulnerable children in the years ahead.”
The senator also acknowledged the Operation Compass pilot scheme currently underway in Drogheda, which focuses on improving communication and coordination between agencies around child welfare and safeguarding concerns.
“Programmes like this show the importance of agencies working together proactively in the best interests of children,” she said.
Gardaí have continued to appeal for information in the case, stating that even the smallest detail could assist the investigation.
Two women and one man were previously arrested and questioned in connection with Kyran’s disappearance and murder investigation, although no charges have been brought.
The man who denied involvement in the case later died by suicide.
Gardaí have previously stated that future prosecutions remain possible regardless of whether Kyran’s remains are located.
