A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Jo Jo Dullard in Kildare nearly 30 years ago.

Gardaí investigating the Kilkenny woman's disappearance are also launching a major search operation on an area of open ground near the Wicklow/Kildare border today.

Josephine "Jo Jo” Dullard disappeared in November 1995 and Gardaí last week issued a fresh appeal for information on the case.

They urged anyone with any information “no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be” to contact them at Naas Garda Station.

Arrest

This morning, they confirmed that they had arrested a man in his 50s on suspicion of murdering Ms Dullard.

The man in his 50s is being held at a Garda Station in County Kildare.

Searches

The search operation is getting underway in at a location in Wicklow close to the Kildare border.

Investigators said the land will be searched, with excavations planned alongside technical and forensic examinations in the coming days.

It is understood the air space above the site is being temporarily restricted and a forensic archaeologist is on-site to help with the search.

Officers also searched two private homes this morning.

Gardaí say they have been keeping Ms Dullard’s family fully updated on the investigation and they have been informed of today’s developments.

They are continuing to appeal for witnesses and anyone with any information on Ms Dullard’s appearance to contact them.