A man has been arrested as part of the investigation into the disappearance and murder of Annie McCarrick more than 32 years ago.

The 26-year-old, from New York, was living in Dublin at the time of her disappearance in March 1993.

The man, aged in his 60s, is being held in a Garda station in Dublin, where he can be questioned for up to 24 hours.

Investigating Gardaí started a search operation at a home in Clondalkin on Thursday.

Elements of that house and garden will be searched and will the subject of both technical and forensic examinations.

Gardaí say the people who are currently living in the house are not connected in anyway with Annie McCarrick or her disappearance.

Annie McCarrick (L) and Linda Ringhouse (R). Image: Supplied

Officers are appealing to anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant that they might believe it to be, to contact Irishtown Garda Station on 01 666 9600. Anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

In a statement on Thursday morning, gardaí appealed to anyone that may have previously come forward "but who felt that they could not provide Gardaí with all of the relevant information they had in relation to this matter, to please make contact with gardaí again".

Investigating officers also say Annie McCarrick's family has and will continue to be fully updated in relation to the investigation.