Quilligan death investigation in Cork takes over 400 statements

MORE than 400 statements have been taken in the investigation into the murder of 47-year-old Kieran Quilligan, whose remains were found following an extensive search in East Cork.

Details of the intensive investigation of the case were revealed by Sergeant John Kelleher at Cork District Court yesterday.

A progress report had been sought by the defence representing Luke Taylor, of no fixed address, and formerly of Cherry Lawn, Blackrock, Cork, who is currently accused of murdering Kieran Quilligan.

Sgt. Kelleher said: “To date there have been 851 separate lines of enquiry; 412 statements have been taken, and there are over 250 exhibits pertaining to the investigation for the file have been gathered.

“In terms of CCTV alone, thousands of hours of CCTV were harvested and viewed by garda members assigned to the investigation.

“It is anticipated that the file will be forwarded to the DPP the week commencing July 15 for directions.”

Mr Quilligan’s remains were found following an extensive search in the East Cork region.

The murder charge faced by Luke Taylor states that on a date unknown between September 1, 2023, and January 29, 2024, at an unknown location within the State in the District Court area of Cork City, he did murder Kieran Quilligan, contrary to common law.

Gardaí started a murder investigation following the discovery of human remains during an extensive search. The body was found on Monday, January 29, at Rostellan in East Cork.

The late Mr Quilligan had been a missing person since September 2023, and a search operation had been ongoing since that time.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, who stood in for Cathal Lombard, solicitor, said the updated position represented progress in the case and that there was consent to a further remand in custody until July 16 for the garda file to be sent to Garda Superintendent in charge of the investigation before onward transmission to the Director of Public Prosecutions.