Boy (4) dies in swimming incident

An investigation has begun after a boy (4) died following an incident at the National Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown, Co Dublin…

An investigation has begun after a boy (4) died following an incident at the National Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown, Co Dublin yesterday.

The boy was swimming with his father in the Aqua Zone section at about 6.30 pm yesterday evening when the accident happened.

The boy was attended to at the scene before being transferred to Connolly hospital in Blanchardstown where he was later pronounced dead.

In a statement the centre said that the Aqua Zone section, which features children's play areas, a wave pool and slides,  remains closed until further notice.

Barry O'Brien, chief executive of the National Sports Campus Development Authority which runs the centre, said investigations were continuing into the tragedy.

"We want to convey our deepest sympathies to the family of the boy," he said. "Gardai are conducting an investigation into the incident with which we are co-operating fully."

The international competition pool and the diving pool at the centre are to remain open while investigations continue.

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Gardaí are appealing for witnesses who were in or around the pool at the time of the incident to contact them at Blanchardstown Garda station on 01-6667000.

Additional reporting: PA