A GARDA INVESTIGATION is underway after a drone operated on behalf of a media outlet was detected flying over the site of a search for a missing boy in Donabate.

On 1 September 2025, gardaí took control of an area of open ground in Donabate, Co Dublin which continues to be the subject of an ongoing search.

Concerns for the boy were raised by Tusla and reported to gardaí on 29 August.

The missing boy, who would now be seven-years-old, has not been seen in several years and gardaí presumed dead.

The boy is last known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments, Donabate, Co Dublin.

His identity has not been released. 

A garda spokesperson today said that an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Geographic zone has been in place over the search site at Donabate since 2 September and continues to be in place.

A UAS is often referred to as a drone and Geographic Zones are similar to Temporary Restricted Airspaces and define areas where drones cannot be flown.

Breaches of both are investigated by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and An Garda Síochána.

Yesterday, gardaí detected a drone flying over the Donabate search site.

When the operator was located, he told gardai that he was operating the drone on behalf of a media outlet. 

This breach is under investigation.

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Today, another drone was also observed over the search site and this breach is also under investigation.

Gardaí have appealed to the media to provide “space and time to carry out this search operation sensitively and sympathetically for everybody involved”.

A garda spokesperson said any images of the search site captured by a drone should not be used by any media as they have been obtained in breach of the Geographic Zone. 

Details of UAS Geographic Zones are published on an interactive map on the IAA website.

Meanwhile, the IAA has reminded drone pilots that restrictions are in force and that drones are not allowed to fly in this airspace without approval of the Zone Authority from until 17 September.