An Garda Síochána have renewed their appeal for information about Michael Gaine, who was reported missing from his home near Kenmare, Co Kerry on Friday, March 21.
Commencing today, Tuesday, April 1, Irish Defence Forces personnel will be assisting An Garda Síochána in the ongoing search for the missing farmer.
Up to 50 members combined from the 12th Infantry Battalion, Limerick and the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Kilkenny will assist An Garda Síochána in searches on open lands over the coming days, An Garda Síochána said on Tuesday.
"These lands are rough, open ground and at higher altitude and the experience and discipline of trained personnel is appropriate to assist in carrying out these searches," An Garda Síochána said in their update.
"An Garda Síochána wishes to thank members of the public who have assisted in searches previously.
"An Garda Síochána is not requesting the assistance of the general public for further searches, at this time."
A spokesperson for the Irish Defence Forces also confirmed the Army's involvement: “The Defence Forces can confirm that it has received a request for assistance from An Garda Síochána to aid in a search in Kenmare for a missing person.
"Fifty personnel from 1 Brigade will be deployed in an Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) operation to assist in this search operation.”
Michael, 56, was last seen in Kenmare town on Thursday, March 20. CCTV footage captured him at 9:48 am that day in Centra in Kenmare where he purchased phone credit.
The farmer - who also goes by 'Mike' - then left in his bronze-coloured RAV4, registration 152 KY 366. This vehicle has since been found parked in his farmyard, just off the N71 at Carrig East in Co Kerry.
According to reports, Mike's phone and wallet were discovered inside his vehicle. The Irish Times notes that the farmer's home "has been forensically searched and his car has been taken for examination, an unusual move in a missing person’s inquiry."
An Garda Síochána said on Tuesday that Mike's family has had no contact from him and they are "extremely concerned for his well-being."
Michael is described as being approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with a stocky build, brown/grey hair and a bushy beard.
When last seen, Michael was wearing an orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans, and black boots.
CCTV footage of Michael Gaine in Centra in Kenmare, Co Kerry on Thursday, March 20. (An Garda Siochana)
An Garda Síochána said today that they have continued to carry out enquiries in the Kenmare locality and searches continued to be carried out over the weekend supported by other state and voluntary agencies in their ongoing efforts to locate the missing man.
While Gardaí are not requesting the assistance of the general public for further searches at this time, they continue to want to speak with any person who traveled on the N71 on Thursday, March 20 after 9:48 am.
They are also keen to speak with any person who may have any camera footage, including dash-cam or CCTV, or any other images (video or still) from Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21 in the Kenmare town / Moll’s Gap (N71/ R568) area to provide that imagery to the Garda investigation team.
Anyone with information on Michael's whereabouts is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
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