Today marks 30 years since the disappearance of Dublin schoolboy Philip Cairns.

He went missing from his home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 on October 23rd 1986.

A recently formed community group has staged a rally to commemorate his disappearance.

After leaving flowers in the lane where his schoolbag was found, they walked to Rathfarnham garda station.

Flowers are laid where Philip Cairns' schoolbag was found in 1986 | Image: Caoimhseach Connolly

There they handed in a copy of a petition, calling for information made public through social media to be investigated thoroughly by the gardaí.

Members of the Justice for Philip group | Image: Caoimhseach Connolly

This petition is also being sent to An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, the Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and the Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan.

A march passes the lane where Philip Cairns' schoolbag was found in 1986 | Image: Caoimhseach Connolly

Gardaí say as a result of an earlier appeal in 2011, several members of the public came forward and have been liaising with the investigating team on an on-going basis.

An age progressed photo of what Philip Cairns may look like today | Image: An Garda Síochána

A number of the participants at today's rally told Newstalk people in the area will never forget Philip:

Speaking at Tallaght garda station, Superintendent Peter Duff said: "Earlier this year following a press appeal, a number of lines of inquiry were opened and are being investigated I would like to thank those who have come forward and assisted in this investigation to date.

"From our recent enquiries I believe there are people who were young at the time and may have information in relation to Philip's school bag and for whatever reason did not come forward.

"I am conscious that following...the passage of time and changing circumstances that these people may now be in a position to assist us. I want to reassure anyone who comes forward that they will be treated sensitively and discreetly by investigating gardaí."

Crowds gather in Rathfarnham, Dublin | Image: Caoimhseach Connolly

They are appealing to anyone who has information in relation to Philip's school bag and have yet to come forward to contact Rathfarnham garda station on 01-666-6500, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800-666-111 or any garda station.

When last seen he was wearing a grey jacket with black shoulder corners, grey school trousers, grey shirt and school pullover (Colaiste Eanna).