The two women went missing in the 90s.

It is understood that Gardaí are investigating an area near the Wicklow/Kildare border.

Gardaí will conduct excavation and technical and forensic examinations over the coming days.

21-year-old Jo Jo Dullard went missing in November 1995.

Deirdre Jacob went missing from Newbridge, Co Kildare, in July 1998.

An Garda Síochána continues to keep an open mind on these investigations and follows up on any information that is brought to the investigation team based at the Serious Crime Review Team.

The search operation is being led by the Serious Crime Review Team, Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, supported by the Garda National Technical Bureau and local resources from Kildare Division as required.

The search operation has the support of other state expertise, if required.

The search operation is being led by the Serious Crime Review Team, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, supported by the Garda National Technical Bureau, and local resources from the Kildare Division.

An Garda Síochána has been and continues to keep the families of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob updated in relation to these investigations, and they have been fully apprised of today's developments.

An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact any Garda station, or anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.