Gardaí Launch Search in Co. Wicklow Linked to Deirdre Jacob and Jo Jo Dullard Investigations

A major search operation is under way in Co Wicklow as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearances and murders of Deirdre Jacob and Jo Jo Dullard in the 1990s.

Gardaí have confirmed they are examining open ground near the Wicklow/Kildare border. The site will undergo detailed searches, including excavation as well as technical and forensic examinations, over the coming days.

The operation is being led by the Serious Crime Review Team, supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Garda National Technical Bureau, along with local gardaí from the Kildare Division. Investigators say they are keeping an open mind and will follow up on any information that comes to the attention of the review team.

Jo Jo Dullard, aged 21, was last seen on 9 November 1995. She had travelled to Dublin to socialise and was attempting to return home to Callan, Co Kilkenny. After accepting two lifts, she reached Moone in Co Kildare, where she phoned a friend at 11.37pm. That call was the last confirmed contact anyone had with her. She was reported missing the following morning.

Deirdre Jacob disappeared almost three years later. The 18-year-old was last seen at around 3pm on Tuesday 28 July 1998, crossing the road towards the entrance to her family home at Roseberry, Newbridge, Co Kildare. She had missed her bus to Kilkenny and instead travelled to Naas, intending to hitch a lift home to Callan.

When last seen, Ms Jacob was wearing a navy V-neck T-shirt with white trim, dark straight-leg jeans and blue Nike runners. She was carrying a distinctive black satchel-style bag with long shoulder straps and the word “CAT” printed in large yellow letters on the front. The bag has never been recovered.

Gardaí have informed both the Dullard and Jacob families about the current search and say they will continue to provide updates.

They are appealing to anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to contact any garda station or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.