Gardaí ask anyone who has information about man murdered in 2009 to come forward

Paul (Frank) Byrne 'was last seen on the 15 July 2009 at Kilmartin Green in Tallaght, Dublin 24 when it was reported that he left the estate in a 2000-registered wine-coloured Mitsubishi Carisma.'

Gardaí are hoping that people who have information about the disappearance and murder of a young man 16 years ago today may now feel they are able to come forward.

Paul ‘Frank’ Byrne was aged 20 when he was last seen in the company of other men near his home in Kilmartin Green, Tallaght, south west Dublin, on July 15, 2009.

His remains were discovered just over a year later — on 29 July 2010 — in a wooded area near Blessington, Co Wicklow.

The investigation has led to the arrest of five people but has, so far, not resulted in any charges being brought.

A statement issued by Garda HQ said: “Gardaí are renewing their appeal for information in relation to the investigation into the murder of 20-year-old Paul ‘Frank’ Byrne, whose remains were discovered in a wooded area by a forestry worker near Blessington, Co Wicklow on the 29 July 2010.

Wine-coloured Mitsubishi Carisma

“Paul was last seen on the 15 July 2009 at Kilmartin Green in Tallaght, Dublin 24 when it was reported that he left the estate in a 2000-registered wine-coloured Mitsubishi Carisma accompanied by other males. This was the last sighting of Paul Byrne.” 

It said Mr Byrne was reported missing by his mother at Tallaght Garda Station the following day.

The statement said: “To date, five people have been arrested in connection with this investigation, however no one has been brought to justice for Paul’s murder.” 

It said: “It is now sixteen years since Paul Byrne was last seen and Gardaí at Blessington Garda Station are renewing their appeal to the public for assistance and information in relation to his disappearance and murder. 

Paul’s family are anxious for the investigation to progress to bring them closure. 

It made this appeal: “Gardaí are appealing to those who may have information since 2009, or who may have come into possession of information in the intervening years, to come forward.

“Gardaí are urging individuals, who sixteen years on may want to come forward to do so, especially if relationships or associations have changed over the years. With the passage of time, people may now feel more comfortable sharing information with Gardaí.” 

It said people will be treated in a sensitive manner.

• If you have any information, please contact gardaí in Blessington on 045 865202 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111.