GARDAÍ HAVE CONCLUDED a search operation on open ground near the Wicklow and Kildare border as part of the investigation into the murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob.

The search, which began on 15 June, was carried out at a site in Co Wicklow with the assistance of the Defence Forces.

In a statement today, gardaí said the families of both women have been updated on the outcome of the searches.

However, they said the results of the operation “will not be released for operational reasons”.

The latest excavation formed part of the long-running investigation into the disappearances of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob, both of which were upgraded to murder investigations.

Deirdre Jacob was last seen on 28 July 1998 near her home in Newbridge, Co Kildare. She is one of at least six women who vanished in the east of the country in the 1990s.

Jo Jo Dullard (21) disappeared in 1995 from Moone in Kildare was also upgraded to murder earlier this year. Her disappearance was a short drive from where Deirdre Jacob was last seen.

Deirdre Jacob and Jo Jo Dullard. The Journal The Journal

The recent search focused on ground near the Wicklow and Kildare county border, close to previous areas examined by investigators.

Gardaí have renewed their appeal for anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to contact Kildare Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.