The search for missing farmer Michael Gaine has been stood down for the evening after eight hours.

The 56-year-old has now been missing for eight days.

Kerry Mountain Rescue (KMR) with the support of four SARDA dogs carried out sweep searches of land between Mr Gaine's farmyard and Moll's Gap under the direction of investigating gardaí.

KMR said a decision on whether they will resume search efforts tomorrow depends on An Garda Síochána.

John Cronin of KMR said visibility throughout the day for the 30-strong team was hampered by mist and fog, with very difficult boggy conditions underfoot.

Speaking earlier, he said the search team had been out "since 9 o'clock this morning working under the direction of the gardaí".

He said the operation was covering areas "quite close to the farm, between Carrig East and Moll’s Gap".

"Its a big area, it’s rugged and wild," he added.

Earlier some 20 local volunteers also carried out line searches of land above the farm on land at Carrig West under the direction of investigating gardaí.

At the entrance to the farm, a garda remained on duty as the animals were being fed.

Gardaí have continued their search of lands near the farm buildings where slurry was removed from the slatted unit and excavation work was carried out earlier this week.