The search for missing Kenmare man Mike Gaine will start going over rough, open ground at higher altitude from today.
56-year-old Michael ‘Mike’ Gaine was last seen in Kenmare town on Thursday 20th March, and searches began the following day.
His family have had no contact from him since then, and both they and An Garda Síochána are extremely concerned for his well-being.
Mike Gaine bought phone credit in the Centra in Kenmare at 9:48am on Thursday 20th March, and left in his bronze Toyota RAV4, which was found parked in his farmyard.
Searches have taken place of lands near his farm in Kenmare, just off the N71 at Carrig East, assisted by bodies including the coast guard, Kerry Mountain Rescue, and the Garda Sub-Aqua Unit.
Gardaí have now requested the help of the Defence Forces with its searches.
Up to 50 members combined from the 12th Infantry Battalion, Limerick, and the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Kilkenny, will help gardaí searching open lands over the coming days.
Gardaí say these lands are rough, open ground and at higher altitude, and the experience and discipline of trained personnel is appropriate to assist in the searches.
Gardaí thanked the public for their help with previous searches, but they are not asking for the public to help with these latest searches.
Gardaí are, however, still requesting anyone who travelled on the N71 on Thursday 20th March after 9:48am to speak to them.
They are also asking for anyone who has any camera footage from Thursday 20th or Friday 21st March in the Kenmare/Molls Gap area to provide that to gardaí.
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.
