Tina Satchwell search: Gardaí begin a two-week search of Castlemartyr woods

The woods in Bridgetown, near the Castlemartyr Resort, has been identified by gardaí from 220 lines of inquiry.

Superintendent Colm Noonan, who is leading the investigation, said he did not know how long the search of the woods would last.
“It is going to be a number of weeks. I don’t know if it will be two weeks or slightly shorter or longer,” he said.
Supt Noonan said the information that has led gardaí to the woods has been assessed and deemed worthy of investigation.
“As part of the ongoing investigation, we have looked at over 220 lines of inquiry and, as you can imagine, there has been quite an amount of planning and assessment of our rationale for commencing this search,” he said.

“As part of the investigation into the disappearance of Tina Satchwell, our team are satisfied it is necessary to conduct this search and that is why we are going into that location.
“I am confident that, as part of the extensive investigation, the current information, which we have in our possession, is credible and sufficient to justify going in to conduct this search.”
Supt Noonan said he could not predict what they would find.
“I am confident there is an absolute requirement to conduct the search. I can’t predict beyond that. I’m hoping I find evidence, in relation to, or connected to, the disappearance of Tina Satchwell. I won’t restrict myself to saying what we are in there looking for.”
The area has been cordoned off by gardaí since last Friday, March 2.
“We have had a full, 24-hour garda presence since Friday afternoon at the location. It had been hoped to start the search earlier but, with the weather and the transport restrictions that were placed upon us, we just weren’t able to commence,” Superintendent Noonan added.