The inquest into Noah Donohoe’s death concluded with a jury finding that departmental failures by the Department for Infrastructure to properly secure access to a water culvert potentially contributed to his death, while police failings were not established as a contributing factor.

Fiona Donohoe and her legal team criticized a culture of institutional defensiveness and a reluctance to secure crucial evidence, arguing that Noah’s death demanded a full, fearless investigation and highlighting ongoing public body failings.

Donohoe’s mother stated the storm drain was left unsecured and that initial police investigations after his disappearance in June 2020 were insufficient.

Friends and legal representatives praised Noah’s resilience during the process, with a broad call for accountability and a condemnation of departments for defending their positions.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said there are lessons to learn from the inquest, accepted the findings, and pledged to consider the details and implement improvements within her department.

Officials including Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck acknowledged the tragedy and said police would apply the inquest learnings to future investigations.

Kimmins stressed that there is no blame placed on Noah or his family, and reiterated a commitment to take the verdict seriously and pursue improvements.

Solicitor Niall Murphy emphasized Fiona Donohoe’s enduring suffering and resilience, noting the indignities she suffered and the repeated attempts by both the DfI and PSNI to defend their positions.

The inquest, which began in January, involved 76 witnesses and 42 statements, with deliberations wrapping up in late June before a summer adjournment amid outstanding issues.

The proceedings highlighted missing Department for Infrastructure records and broader shortcomings in how information related to the case was managed, aided by extensive documentary material.

Key evidence handling issues were raised, including misinterpretation of phone data and a possibly relevant photo of a handprint on Noah’s phone, with delays in securing DfI records.

The verdict underscored the need for basic public safety measures to prevent access to dangerous culverts and for authorities to thoroughly investigate missing children cases, especially when a death is involved.