LAST UPDATE | 28 May 2025

GARDAÍ LEADING THE murder probe into the disappearance of Fiona Pender in 1996 have said that the excavation on an area of land in Co Laois will continue overnight. 

This comes after an initial excavation took place in Co Offaly two days ago. That dig, which took place in an area of bogland, has now concluded.

Sources have said that the latest searches come after a new assessment on existing information inside the Garda investigation file.

A search operation on “open ground” in Co Laois is underway, a Garda statement said, and the area will be subject to technical and forensic examinations. 

To facilitate the overnight search, a number of road closures will be in effect – including the Ross Road at Clonaslee, which will remain closed from the R422 entrance to the R440 entrance.

Fiona’s remains have never been located.

Gardaí investigating the case have always had a main suspect, but no charges have ever been brought in the course of the 28-year investigation. 

Fiona, who was 25-years-old and seven months pregnant at the time of her disappearance, was last seen early on the morning of 23 August 1996, at her flat on Church Street in Tullamore, Co Offaly. 

“Gardaí continue to appeal to any person who may have previously come forward who felt they could not provide Gardaí with all the information they had in relation to this matter, to contact the investigation team again,” a Garda spokesperson said. 

“An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, or any Garda Station.

“Anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.”