Skeletal remains of child discovered in search for missing Daniel Aruebose
Gardai have discovered the human skeletal remains of a child in an area of open ground in Donabate, Co. Dublin.
The remains are believed to be those of Daniel Aruebose. Daniel is known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments, Donabate, Co. Dublin. It has been a number of years since there has been any confirmed sighting of Daniel, who would now be seven years of age.
The remains will be subject of careful and sensitive exhumation from the current burial site.
A Garda Statement reads:
"Gardaí in Swords are continuing to investigate all of the circumstances of the disappearance of Daniel Aruebose.
"Today, Wednesday 17th September 2025, An Garda Síochána has discovered human skeletal remains of a child.
"An Garda Síochána believe these to be the remains of Daniel Aruebose.
"An Garda Síochána is currently engaging with the local coroner in relation to the discovery of these remains.
"The remains will be subject of careful and sensitive exhumation from the current burial site.
"Formal identification of the remains will now have to be carried out including DNA analysis.
"Daniel is known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments, Donabate, Co. Dublin. It has been a number of years since there has been any confirmed sighting of Daniel, who would now be 7 years of age.
"Concerns for Daniel were raised by The Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) to An Garda Síochána on Friday 29th August 2025.
"Following enquiries carried out by and information available to investigating Gardaí to date, An Garda Síochána are satisfied that Daniel is deceased.
"Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has any information in relation to the death of Daniel to contact the investigation team at Swords Garda Station on 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any member of An Garda Síochána.
"On Sunday 31st August 2025 investigating Gardaí carried out a technical examination of an apartment at The Gallery Apartments, Donabate, Co. Dublin.
"Gardaí have, and continue to carry out house to house enquiries at The Gallery Apartments complex.
"An Garda Síochána appeals to any person who was resident in The Gallery Apartments complex, Donabate between July 2019 to present date to speak with the investigation team."
On Monday, 1st September 2025, investigating Gardaí took control of an area of open ground in Donabate, Co. Dublin which has been the subject of ongoing searches leading to the discovery of human skeletal remains today.
The Garda investigation is being led by a Senior Investigation Officer (SIO) based out of an incident room established at Swords Garda Station.
Gardaí at Swords are supported by Crime East DMR North Garda Division, Divisional Search Team, Divisional Scenes of Crime Team, Uniform and Community Policing resources.
The investigation is fully resourced and supported by National units including Garda National Technical Bureau, Garda Air Support Unit, Garda Dog Unit and the Garda Síochána Analysis Service.
External expertise including a Forensic Anthropologist, Forensic Archaeologist and specialist PSNI Cadaver Dogs have been utilised.
"An Garda Síochána is appealing to the public not to assume that the investigation team know information that you may have or that any information you may have is insignificant. Please contact An Garda Síochána and let the investigation team determine the significance of any information.
"Any contact will be welcomed by the investigation team and treated in the strictest confidence.
"An Garda Síochána is aware of the extensive public commentary on this investigation.
"An Garda Síochána appeals to every members of the public to verify any content that they may be seeing in relation to this investigation, including speculation, rumours and theories on what may have happened to Daniel.
"An Garda Síochána appeals to all members of the public to independently verify any information that you are reading on social media and/ or messaging apps.
"An Garda Síochána continues to request that the media provides An Garda Síochána with the space and time to carry out this search operation sensitively.
"A UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Geographic zone has been in place over the search site at Donabate since the 2nd September 2025 and continues to be in place.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD said:
"I am deeply saddened that the remains of a young child have been found in north Dublin.
"The death of a child is always heart-breaking and upsetting but it is especially so for those who knew and loved this child. I extend my very sincere sympathy to all involved.
"I would like to thank the members of An Garda Siochána and other agencies for their diligent work on this search over recent weeks."
Aontú Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has expressed deep sympathies to relatives of Daniel Aruebose whose remains were found in wasteland at Portrane Road in Donebate. An Teachta Tóibín stated:
“It is heartbreaking news that we learn today that the remains of Daniel Aruebose have been found. Daniel was a three year old boy who went missing 4 years ago. I want to express deepest sympathies to the relatives of this small boy. Daniel was failed by the state. Daniel is among 254 children who have died known to state care or in state care in the last 10 years. He was among dozens of children that up until today was missing from state care. He is among hundreds of children who are being failed by the state every year.
"This tragic death must draw a line under the disfunction within child protection services. It must draw a line under the underfunding of child protection service. This heartbreaking death and his shocking burial in waste ground unbeknownst to child protection services must draw a line under the indifference of the political class to children with massive challenges."