Gardai investigating the disappearance of Kieran Quilligan, who was reported missing from Cork City three weeks ago, have begun searching open land and shoreline in the Little Island area of Cork.
The search operation got underway on Friday last week, almost a week after gardaí issued a specific and urgent appeal for public assistance tracing him amid growing fears for his safety and wellbeing.
Garda search teams were deployed in the Courtstown area of Little Island, with their activity focused on fields and along the shoreline next to Courtstown Industrial Estate.
It is understood that the search operation was mounted following the receipt of certain information.
Mr Quilligan, 47, hasn’t been seen since he left a homeless shelter in Cork more than three weeks ago.
He was reported missing on the evening of Friday, September 1.
Mr Quilligan, who is originally from Baker’s Road in Gurranabraher on the city’s northside, left Cork Simon’s emergency shelter on Anderson’s Quay in Cork City centre at around 8.30pm on September 1 in the company of another man.
Gardaí have been able to establish that Mr Quilligan then proceeded to Sullivan’s Quay and on to Proby’s Quay near St Fin Barre’s Cathedral.
An examination of CCTV footage from the area has established that Mr Quilligan went up the steps at St Finbarr’s place but there is no sighting of him exiting the steps at the top of St Finbarr’s Place on to Fort Street.