LATEST: Gardaí issue update as Deirdre Jacob investigation search enters third day on Kildare border
An excavator is removing large amounts of soil at an old quarry located between Dunlavin and Baltinglass on the Kildare / Wicklow border
As the search related to the disappearance of Deirdre Jacob and JoJo Dullard enters its third day - gardaí said they're unable to determine how long the operation will take.
An excavator is continuing to remove large amounts of soil while closely observed by the search team at an old quarry located between Dunlavin and Baltinglass on the Kildare / Wicklow border.
When asked if there was any information on how the search operation was expected to take, a Garda spokesperson said: "The search is ongoing."
It's believed that gardai are acting on foot of information that materials in connection with a missing woman may be buried at specified sand pit.
Separate information provided about a decade ago claimed that Larry Murphy, a convicted rapist and key suspect for the murder of Ms Jacob, may have buried vehicles there.
Murphy, who was living in Baltinglass at the time, travelled a lot around Wicklow and Kildare working as a carpenter.
Ms Jacob, aged 18, disappeared near the front gates of her parents’ home in Roseberry, Newbridge on the afternoon of July 28, 1998.
Ms Dullard was last seen in Moone in Co Kildare on the night of November 9 1995.
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.
Gardaí said they continue to keep the families of Ms Dullard and Ms Jacob updated in relation to these investigations.
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.