Family 'devastated' Keenan case not upgraded to murder

The family of a woman who has been missing for 30 years said they are devastated that the garda investigation into her disappearance remains a missing persons case and has not been upgraded to a murder investigation.

Imelda Keenan's family met the garda team overseeing the investigation into her disappearance at Waterford Garda Station this afternoon.

The 22-year-old, who was originally from Mountmellick in Co Laois but moved to Waterford city in the early 1990s, was last seen on 3 January 1994.

Following a major appeal for information on the 30th anniversary of her disappearance and a strong public response, the family had hoped that her case would be upgraded to a murder investigation.

However following a 90-minute meeting with gardaí, the Keenan family emerged disappointed.

Gina Kerry, Imelda Keenan's niece, said they were devastated but would carry on with their campaign to find out what happened to her aunt.

"They (gardaí) have promised us that they will look over every bit of lines of enquiry, to put our trust in them, to give them a chance.

"We will. We do need them on our side, but we will keep the awareness (campaign) going for Imelda. Keep fighting the fight", she said.

Imelda's older brother Gerry expressed his disappointment but vowed to keep fighting to find out what happened to his sister.

"Plenty of information came to the table," he said, 'but unfortunately nothing concrete".

Gardaí, he said, have promised to look into every aspect of the case and review all the evidence, but "as Gina said, we will keep on fighting the fight."

In a statement, gardaí said the investigation remains an open and active missing persons investigation.

They would not comment on the specifics of the investigation but renewed their appeal for anyone with information on her disappearance, who has yet to speak with the investigation team, or who may have spoken but not provided all the information that they possess, to contact them.