A search in Co Monaghan for the remains of Columba McVeigh, who was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in 1975, has ended without success.
The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) has confirmed that the most recent search on Bragan Bog in Co Monaghan, has concluded and that the McVeigh family has been informed.
The 50th anniversary of his disappearance was just over a month ago, and ICLVR Lead Investigator Eamonn Henry described this development as "devastating news for the McVeigh Family".
"Everyone involved in the search, including the ICLVR investigators, the forensic archaeologists, and the contractors who operate the machinery are bitterly disappointed and share the frustration of the McVeigh family that yet another search of the bog has ended in this way," he said.
Mr Henry said that 26 acres of Bragan Bog had been searched.
"While we continue to believe that the information we are working on has been given in good faith, clearly there is still something missing," he said.
Mr Henry said he had assured the McVeigh family and other families of the Disappeared that the ICLVR remains fully committed to finding Columba.
"We will not rest until his remains are returned and he receives the Christian burial that he has been denied for far too long," he said.
Columba McVeigh was 19 years old when he was murdered by the IRA and was one of 17 people who were "disappeared" during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
The remains of 13 people have been recovered and Mr Henry renewed an appeal for anyone with information about any of the remaining Disappeared cases - Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Robert Nairac and Seamus Maguire - to contact the investigation team.
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State said he was deeply saddened that the remains of Columba McVeigh have not been located.
Hilary Benn said that he visited the site last month.
"I want to acknowledge the diligence and determination of the commission to locate Columba since the first search at Bragan Bog was conducted in 1999, as well as the investigators, forensic archaeologists and the search teams for their painstaking and sensitive work," Mr Benn said.
He said his thoughts are with the McVeigh family, who he said have "endured the unimaginable burden for so many years".
Mr Benn said the UK government remains committed to the work of the ICLVR and appealed for people with information to come forward.
