A young boy has died after going missing in an unfinished housing estate near Athlone, Co Westmeath.
The 2-year-old was reported missing at about 12pm.
He was found in a pool of water adjacent to a drain at about 1.15pm in the Glenatore estate, a short distance from his home, by a local man.
The boy was taken from the scene to Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, where he died a short time later.
Gardaí are treating the death as a tragic accident.
Inspectors from the Health and Safety Authority are on site to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Local councillor Kevin Moran said everyone in the area is devastated.
"My heart goes out to the family and the people were out searching for the child," he said.
"It is devastating for every single person. Some people are crying just talking about it because they've lost loved ones themselves."
A spokesman from Westmeath County Council said Glenatore is listed as a category 3 unfinished housing estate — meaning while there is no on-site work, a developer remains in place and is responsible for public health and safety on site.
He said a decision on whether to launch an investigation will be made after the facts of the case are known.
Glenatore is under development by Diskin Enterprises, which is run by local man Tony Diskin.
Additional reporting - PA