Renewed Search for Fiona Pender: Gardaí Dig for Answers in Co Laois

Gardaí Launch New Search in Co Laois for Fiona Pender, Missing Since 1996 The Irish police force, Gardaí, have launched a new search in County Laois as part of their ongoing investigation into the disappearance and murder of Fiona Pender in 1996. This latest search comes just days after a separate search concluded near Killeigh, County Offaly. The search in Co Laois is focused on a specific area, approximately a 15-minute drive from where Fiona was last seen. Access to the area is restricted, with Gardaí present to control public access. Reporter Paul Quinn, speaking live from Clonadlee, Co. Laois, described the scene: "A digger and other materials were brought in on site. Gardaí say that this new search area will be subject to an excavation, along with a full forensic and technical examination." This search is part of a sustained investigation by the Laois-Offaly division, spanning nearly 29 years. The Gardaí have confirmed that the investigation has been upgraded to a murder inquiry. While five people have been arrested over the years, no one has yet been brought to justice. The Gardaí are once again appealing for anyone with information to come forward. The case of Fiona Pender, who was seven months pregnant when she disappeared, remains a significant unsolved mystery in Ireland, underscoring the importance of this renewed investigative effort.