Gardaí have launched a major search operation in Co Wicklow as part of the long-running investigations into the disappearance and murder of two women, Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob.

The search, which began today, is taking place on open ground at a location near the Wicklow/Kildare border.

It follows a technical ground survey of the area, carried out last week with the assistance of the Defence Forces under Aid to Civil Power arrangements.

That stretch of land will now be searched, excavated and subjected to forensic examination over the coming days.

The operation is being led by the Serious Crime Review Team at the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, working alongside Gardaí from the Kildare/Carlow Division. It is being supported by the Garda National Technical Bureau and the Wicklow Garda Division.

Gardaí said the families of both women have been kept fully informed and have been appraised of the latest developments.

Jo Jo Dullard, a 21-year-old from Co Kilkenny, vanished in November 1995 after getting a lift while making her way home.

Deirdre Jacob, an 18-year-old from Newbridge, Co Kildare, disappeared in July 1998 close to her family home.

Both cases were upgraded to murder investigations in the years that followed, though no bodies have ever been found. The two women are among those associated with a stretch of the country once linked to a series of disappearances in the 1990s.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kildare Garda Station on 045 527 730 or any Garda station. Those who wish to speak confidentially can contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.