Bogland in the Slieve Bloom Mountains was being searched.
Gardaí investigating the disappearance and murder of Fiona Pender have concluded the search operation on open ground at a location in Co. Laois.
The results of the searches are not being released for operational reasons.
Gardai have updated the family on any developments.
Investigations are ongoing.
Investigating Gardaí continue to appeal to any person with any information in relation to the disappearance of Fiona in the early morning of Friday 23rd August 1996, who has not spoken to Gardaí, to please come forward and speak to our investigation team.
Gardaí continue to appeal to any person who may have previously come forward who felt they could not provide Gardaí with all the information they had in relation to this matter, to contact the investigation team again.
The Ross Road at Clonaslee, Co. Laois, which was closed from the R422 entrance to the R440 entrance, is due to re-open imminently.
An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, or any Garda Station. Anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
Earlier this week Gardai searched and excavated an area of bogland about 10km away from the current search.
It’s understood that new credible information led to the latest searches.
The 25-year-old was seven months pregnant when she went missing from Tullamore in County Offaly in 1996.
Gearoid Keegan, Deputy Editor of the Tullamore Tribune, says it's not the first time the Slieve Bloom Mountains have been searched:
Read more: Gardaí Upgrade Fiona Pender Investigation To Murder Case
Gardaí Release Men Held Over Offaly Fire Bombing
Man Dies In Laois Collision
€114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete
Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony
No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices
Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands
Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands
Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception
Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire
Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling
Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident
Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Mary O'Rourke At Bridge Dedication
Midlands Walking Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Weekend
OPW Minister Wants "Grown Ups" To Resolve Children's Science Museum Fallout
Offaly TD Criticises VAT Disparity For Beauty And Nail Salons
Laois Council Launches Clinics For Vacant Home Grants
Former Children's TV Presenter Revisits Midlands Towns On Nostalgic Journey
€7m Shannon Callows Flood Plans Facing Key Hurdles
Appeal Lodged Against New Lidl Development In Laois
Housing Completions Jump Sharply In Laois In Early 2026