Human remains found the back garden of a house in Louth are historical and not the result of a recent crime.
The skeletal remains were found on Wednesday in the back garden of a house on Mary's Street North in Dundalk by builders who were carrying out renovation work.
There had been speculation that the remains were those of 17-year-old Ciara Breen who went missing nearby twenty years ago. Gardaí have confirmed that this is not the case.
It is thought the remains are at least 70 years old and possibly much older. Experts from the National Museum have been notified and will conduct an examination.
Following the discovery, a forensic anthropologist, who specialises in skeletal remains, was called in by gardaí on Wednesday. State Pathologist Marie Cassidy also attended. They concluded this morning that the bones were several decades old and not the result of a recent murder.
The person's age and gender is still not clear nor is the cause of their death. The forensic anthropologist will carry out further tests as will Forensic Science Ireland, the State's crime laboratory.
The houses on Mary’s Street North, which are a mix of single and two storey terraces, mostly date to the beginning of the 20th century or before.
Gardaí are still involved in the investigation. Garda Superintendent Gerry Curley said they will be directed by the National Museum as to what direction the investigation should take.
