A search will begin of a 40-acre area of woodlands close to the village of Castlemartyr in east Cork as part of an investigation into the disappearance of Tina Satchwell.

Mrs Satchwell has not been seen since she disappeared almost a year ago from the home she shared in Youghal with her husband, Richard.

The 46-year-old has been described by her husband Richard as a generous person, devoted to her two dogs and her parrot.

Her disappearance has baffled gardaí, who have conducted extensive investigations both in Ireland and abroad.

Mrs Satchwell's family in Fermoy in Co Cork are concerned for her welfare.

RTÉ News understands that gardaí decided to seal off Mitchell's Wood outside Castlemartyr on Friday, and had planned to search it then but were forced to postpone that until later today because of bad weather.

The information that led the investigation team to this site is described as coming from a credible source.

The search is expected to last a number of weeks.