Taoiseach Simon Harris describes death of a boy in hotel tragedy as 'absolutely devastating'

The Taoiseach has said the death of a seven-year-old boy in an incident in a hotel swimming pool on the Tipperary/Clare border is “absolutely heartbreaking”.

The child died at the Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe last Saturday afternoon while attending a birthday party. 

In a statement on X on Sunday afternoon, An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, said the tragedy was “absolutely heartbreaking”. 

“I know people right across Ireland are keeping this family and the community of Clonlara in Co Clare in their thoughts and prayers at such a sad and difficult time,” he said.

The leisure club at the Lakeside Hotel will remain closed for the coming days, according to a post from the hotel on their social media.

The post said: “Our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with the family, friends and those who knew the young boy who passed away following a tragic accident in our swimming pool yesterday.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our lifeguards, team members and the emergency services who did all they could in responding to this incident. As a mark of respect, our leisure centre will remain closed for the coming days.”

The boy was taken to University Hospital Limerick and was pronounced dead sometime later.