Fresh information led gardaí back to former dumping site in Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob search
The Wicklow PeopleFresh information uncovered during a previous search operation is what has led gardaí to continue excavations at a disused quarry near the Wicklow-Kildare border this week.
It is understood that investigators searching for clues in the suspected murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob have returned to the location they searched in February after information came to light during an earlier examination of the area.
One source said that the quarry had long been known locally as a place where rubbish and cars were dumped, adding that investigators remain quiet about the significance of the latest search.
“The quarry was known for being used to dump rubbish and cars in the past,” the source said.
The source added that everyone in the local community is aware of the ongoing operation.
It is understood that investigators are remaining extremely cautious about releasing details surrounding the search.
“They are keeping their cards close to their chest,” the source said. “We are hopeful that something is found. It’s tough on both families.”
Gardaí investigating the disappearance and suspected murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob, who went missing in the 1990s, launched the search operation on Monday.
The search on open ground commenced following a technical ground survey carried out by gardaí with the assistance of the Defence Forces.
The area is now being searched and subjected to excavation and forensic examination.
The search operation is being led by the Serious Crime Review Team of the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation in conjunction with gardaí from the Kildare/Carlow Division and is supported by the Garda National Technical Bureau and the Wicklow Garda Division.
Gardaí have also renewed their appeal for information, urging anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant they believe it to be, to contact Kildare Garda Station on 045 527730, any garda station, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111.
Jo Jo Dullard, left, who was reported missing in November 1995, and Deirdre Jacob was reported missing in July 1998
Josephine ‘Jo Jo’ Dullard was reported missing in November 1995 after she missed the last bus home to Callan, Co. Kilkenny, following a night out in Dublin.
She boarded a bus to Naas before intending to hitchhike the remainder of the journey home.
Ms Dullard later obtained lifts to Kilcullen and then Moone, where she made a phone call to a friend from a public telephone box at 11.37pm.
During the call, Jo Jo told her friend that a car had stopped for her and that she intended taking the lift. It was the last known contact with her.
Almost three years later, trainee teacher Deirdre Jacob disappeared from Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
Ms Jacob was last seen near her family home at Roseberry, Newbridge, at approximately 3pm on July 28, 1998. Earlier that day she had travelled into Newbridge town to obtain a bank draft for a college friend.
CCTV footage captured her at several locations in the town before she was last seen near her home later that afternoon.
However, despite years of searches and investigations, neither woman has ever been located. The latest excavation is the newest development in efforts to establish what happened to both women and provide long-awaited answers to their families.