Gardaí are still questioning a woman about the disappearance of Kyran Durnin. 

The then six-year-old was last seen in the summer of 2022 and reported missing in August this year. 

An extensive search of a wasteland near the family home in Dundalk yielded no clues about Kyran’s whereabouts and in October, Gardaí announced they believed the child had been murdered. 

A Garda press conference about Kyran Durnin in October. Picture by: Newstalk.

Yesterday, a woman was arrested on suspicion of murder and Irish Times security correspondent Conor Gallagher described it as “one of the first major developments” in the case. 

“That search operation threw up little of evidential value,” he said. 

“But yesterday, Gardaí arrested a woman aged in her mid 20s; this was a woman who was very well known to Kyran Durnin and would have had a relationship for many years. 

“She was arrested by Gardaí in County Louth after she had returned to Ireland from abroad.” 

'An important step' 

The woman is being held in a Garda station in the east of the country where she can be questioned for up to 24 hours - although this can be extended once rest breaks are added in. 

“So, they basically have until some time this evening or possibly very early tomorrow morning to maybe charge or release her,” Mr Gallagher said. 

“People I have spoken to have cautioned against a major breakthrough in the case or expecting anyone to be charged with murder in the coming days. 

“They say this is a step along the way; it’s an important step but that there is a lot of work to be done.” 

Garda Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern outside Dundalk Garda Station, 22-10-2024. Image: Barry Whyte/Newstalk

Gardaí are urging anyone who has any information "no matter how insignificant it may seem" about the case to contact them.

“You have to remember, of course, the remains of Kyran have still not been located,” Mr Gallagher said.

“There’s a huge amount of mystery which still surrounds the case - including how he died. 

“So, there’ll be a lot of work ahead for Gardaí.” 

Drogheda Garda Station can be contacted on 041 987 4200.

Main images shows Kyran Durnin. Picture by: An Garda Síochána.