Search underway over disappearance of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob in Co Wicklow

Gardaí investigating the disappearance and murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob are commencing a search operation on open ground at a location in Co. Wicklow near the Wicklow/Kildare border.

This area of land will be searched and subject to excavation, technical and forensic examinations over the coming days.

Dullard was last seen at approximately 11.37 pm on November 9th, 1995, in the village of Moone, Co Kildare, while attempting to make her way home to Callan, Co Kilkenny.

In October 2020, gardaí upgraded the investigation into her disappearance to a murder probe.

Deirdre Jacob was last seen close to her family home just outside Newbridge, Co Kildare, on July 28th, 1998.

Her disappearance was investigated as a missing person inquiry before being upgraded to a murder case in 2018.

An Garda Síochána continue to keep an open mind on these investigations and follows up on any information which is brought to the investigation team based at the Serious Crime Review Team.

The search operation is being led by the Serious Crime Review Team, Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, supported by the Garda National Technical Bureau and local resources from Kildare Division as required.

The search operation has the support of other state expertise, if required.

An Garda Síochána has been and continues to keep the families of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob updated in relation to these investigations, and they have been fully apprised of developments.

An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact any Garda station, or anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.