West Wicklow Operation Ends Amid Forensic Probe into Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob Cases

A Garda search in west Wicklow linked to Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob has ended. Forensic work continues at the site, and investigations remain active. Families have been fully updated.

A major Garda search operation in County Wicklow, connected to the long‑running investigations into the disappearances and murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob, has now concluded.

The operation centred on a site of interest close to the Wicklow–Kildare border, with specialist search teams carrying out detailed examinations over recent days.

The location, understood to be in west Wicklow, formed part of ongoing efforts to progress both cases.

In a statement An Garda Síochána said: “Gardaí investigating the separate disappearances and murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob have concluded the current search phase at a location in Co. Wicklow near the Wicklow/Kildare border.”

The force added that “A further assessment of the site remains ongoing” and acknowledged “the ongoing cooperation and support of the landowner.”

Families of both women “have been fully appraised of these developments”, the statement said.

Gardaí also appealed to the public, saying: “An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information in relation to either investigation, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact any Garda station… or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.”

Jo Jo Dullard, originally from Kilkenny, disappeared in 1995 while hitchhiking home to Callan, and Deirdre Jacob went missing in 1998 near her home in Newbridge.

Both cases have strong connections to County Wicklow, with the county forming part of key lines of inquiry for investigators.

Gardaí have stressed that both investigations remain active, and that all information gathered during the Wicklow operation will now be carefully assessed as part of efforts to finally bring clarity and answers to the families.