The family of Deirdre Jacob have renewed their appeal for information on the 21st anniversary of her disappearance.
The 18-year-old was last seen crossing the road at the entrance of her house in Roseberry, Newbridge, Co Kildare in 1998.
Deirdre is described as 5ft 3ins, slim build with grey/green eyes and dark chin-length hair.
She was was wearing a navy v-neck T-shirt with white trim on the collar and sleeves, navy or black straight jeans and blue Nike runners.
Deirdre was carrying a distinctive black satchel-type bag with long shoulder straps and the word CAT in large yellow capital letters printed on the front.
The bag has never been located, and gardai are interested in hearing from anyone who has ever found or noticed a bag similar to this.
Last year, officers upgraded the investigation into Deirdre’s disappearance to murder.
Her father Michael Jacob told the Leinster Leader last week: “Her case has since undergone a complete review which is ongoing and could be finalised in the next couple of months.”
Enhanced CCTV footage from the day of Deirdre’s disappearance has helped the investigation by making images of people who walked down the street or drove through the area throughout that day clearer.
Michael added: “There has been a very intensive review and every aspect of the case and every interview has been looked at again as well as the CCTV which has been enhanced and looked at much earlier in the day and later that day.”
Gardai hope the footage will show whether a saloon car – linked to convicted rapist Larry Murphy – was in the area on that day.
It’s understood he was working as a carpenter in Newbridge on several dates in 1998 but it’s not known where he was the day Deirdre vanished.
A prisoner alleged Murphy told him in jail he had kidnapped a young woman outside Newbridge while pretending to ask for directions.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Newbridge Garda station on 045 431212, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
