A two-year-old boy has died after being struck by a car in a hit-and-run incident in Rathkeale, Co Limerick.
The child, who has been locally named as Peter Mulcaire, was hit by a vehicle close to his home in the Abbeycourt area shortly after 3.50pm on Saturday.
Peter was seriously injured in the collision and was taken to University Hospital Limerick by a family member. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Gardaí have confirmed that a post-mortem examination will be carried out as part of the investigation into the circumstances of the child’s death.
The vehicle involved in the collision left the scene following the incident. A man in his 30s was later arrested by gardaí at another location on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
The man was taken to a Garda station in Co Limerick, where he provided a blood or urine sample for evidential purposes. He was subsequently released pending analysis of the sample.
A family liaison officer has been appointed to provide support to Peter’s family during the investigation.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of sympathy in Rathkeale, which is about 30km southwest of Limerick city.
Prayers for Peter were due to be offered during Sunday Masses at St Mary’s Parish in Rathkeale and across the Diocese of Limerick.
A family fun day planned for the Abbey grounds on Sunday was also cancelled following the child’s death.
In a social media statement, organisers said they had decided to cancel the event because of the “very tragic circumstances” in Rathkeale and out of respect for those affected.
The road remained closed while Garda Forensic Collision Investigators carried out a technical examination of the scene.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and are asking anyone who may have information about the incident to contact investigators.
Particular attention is being given to motorists who travelled through the Abbeycourt area between 3.20pm and 4pm on Saturday. Gardaí are asking drivers who may have dashcam or other camera footage from the area during that period to make contact.
Anyone with information can contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Gardaí have said their investigation is continuing as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and the events that followed.
