The area of land in Clonaslee will be searched and subject to excavation, technical and forensic examinations.
Gardaí investigating the disappearance and murder of Fiona Pender are continuing their search operation on open ground at a location in Co. Laois.
This search operation will remain ongoing overnight.
In order to facilitate this, the Ross Road at Clonaslee, Co. Laois will remain closed from the R422 entrance to the R440 entrance.
No through traffic will be allowed onto this road until further notice, with local access available to residents via the R422 entrance only.
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
Fiona’s remains have never been located.
No person has been brought to justice for the disappearance and murder of Fiona at this time.
The investigation continues to be led by a Senior Investigating Officer.
Fiona was last seen at approximately 6am on the morning of Friday, 23rd August 1996 when she was at her flat on Church Street, Tullamore.
Fiona was described as being 5'5" in height, with long blonde hair.
She was 25 years of age at the time she went missing.
Fiona was wearing bright coloured clothing and white leggings.
She was 7 months pregnant at the time of her disappearance.
Retired Detective Sergeant Alan Bailey was involved in the search for Ms Pender nearly 30 years ago.
He says he's relieved the case has been upgraded:
Olive Davis lived a few doors down from her:
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.
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.
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