Gardaí are now probing new pieces of information regarding the disappearance of Philip Cairns.
The missing teenager remains one of Ireland’s most high-profile missing person cases since his disappearance 40 years ago.
The 13-year-old boy went missing in Rathfarnham on October 23, 1986 and has not been seen or heard from since.
Philip Cairns was last seen walking to his school, Coláiste Éanna in Rathfarnham, from his home on Ballyroan Road.
It is understood that the young boy had left school at 12:50 pm to collect his bag. He made it home and left again shortly after but was never seen again.
The 13-year-old was described at the time as being 5.2 feet tall with short black hair.
He was last seen in his Coláiste Éanna school uniform, which was a grey jacket with black shoulder corners, grey school trousers, a grey shirt and a school pullover.
Six days after he disappeared, Philip’s schoolbag was found in a laneway near the school, linking Ann Devlin Road and Ann Devlin Drive.
In a bizarre twist, it was later noticed that there were bags missing from Philip’s schoolbag, according to RTÉ.
In the four decades since this bag was found, Gardaí have followed more than 1,600 lines of inquiry, with new information now being pursued.
The team of investigators, who still continue to engage with Philip’s family, has said they still receive contact and information from the public on a regular basis.
Officers claimed the new pieces of information were brought to light after the case became the subject of media attention again in recent weeks, placing it at the forefront of popular discussion.
A Garda spokesman said: ‘An Garda Síochána would appeal to anyone with any information on the disappearance of Philip Cairns, no matter how insignificant they think it may be, to not assume that An Garda Síochána has that information, or that it is not relevant. Please contact the garda investigation team.
‘There may be individuals who as a result of the recent media attention are now in a position to speak with the Garda investigation team, have information in relation to Philip’s disappearance or his schoolbag, and for whatever reason have not come forward.
‘Who were young at the time of Philip’s disappearance and not in a position to provide An Garda Síochána with information, but may now be able to do so.
‘With the passage of time and changing circumstances, these people may now be able to come forward and in a position to assist An Garda Síochána and provide answers to Philip’s family.
‘An Garda Síochána wants to reassure anyone who comes forward that they will be treated sensitively and discreetly by investigating Gardaí.
‘Even the smallest piece of information, which may seem insignificant, may assist the investigation.’
