Updated at 10am

A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy has died following an incident at the National Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin yesterday evening.

An investigation has been launched into the child’s death.

It is believed the boy got into difficulty while he was in the children’s paddling pool at around 6pm. He was taken to Connolly Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Gardaí in Blanchardstown are appealing to anyone who was in or around the centre at 6pm yesterday to contact them on 01 666 7000, or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

In a statement today, CEO of the National Sports Campus Development Authority Barry O’Brien said that the “tragic incident” occurred in the AquaZone area of the National Aquatic Centre. This area is closed until further notice, but other areas of the centre remain open to the public.

O’Brien said that the NAC’s staff and management “extend their deepest sympathies to the family involved in this tragic incident”.

Flags flying at half-mast outside the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin today. (Photo: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland)

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