A teenager has been arrested in relation to the hit-and-run that left a toddler in an induced coma.
Zac Higgins, 2, is being treated for his injuries at Temple Street Hospital in Dublin. He was transferred from Cork University Hospital after the incident which occurred on Monday afternoon.
A 17 year was arrested in connection with the hit and run in Mahon on the south side of Cork city this afternoon at 2pm, and is being detained at Bridewell Garda Station.
Meanwhile, Paul Higgins, father of Zac, has expressed his thanks to paramedics and neighbours "who went above and beyond" the call of duty.
Mr Higgins and his wife Aishling Sexton are currently at the bedside of their two year old son, Zac, at Temple Street Hospital in Dublin. He is in an induced coma.
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Zac incurred serious injuries when he ran onto the road while playing with a ball near Castle Meadows on the Skehard Road in Mahon in Cork city at about 4pm on Monday.
He was hit by a blue Mazda 6 which left the scene.
In a Facebook post his father, Paul, thanked all those who had rushed to their assistance over the last twenty four hours.
"I would like to thank everyone who sent well wishes today. After the longest four hours in the CUH our little warrior hit the road to Dublin by ambulance. He will love that when he wakes to hear it. He arrived at Temple Street Hospital straight for CT scan which showed good results so far.
To see your child that way is the worst feeling I ever had in my life today. Special thanks to all our friends in Castlemeadows who went above and beyond.”
The youngster is currently in an induced coma. His collarbone is broken and other bones are cracked and damaged.
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It is understood he will survive the incident but there is a long road to recovery.
The toddler was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital.
He was subsequently transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin where he is
in a serious condition.
It is believed that there were two or three occupants of the car which hit the boy.
Gardaí later found a blue car matching the description of the vehicle involved abandoned in nearby Ballinure.
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The vehicle will be forensically examined to see if it was linked to the incident.
Door to door enquiries are being conducted in the locality and relevant CCTV footage will be checked.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Anglesea Street garda station on 021-4522000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111.
