The family of a teenager who has been missing for over 40 years are remaining hopeful fresh searches can locate his remains.

Columba McVeigh was last seen in November 1975. It is believed he was killed and secretly buried by the IRA.

He is one of 16 people who were officially classified as “Disappeared” after they went missing in the 1970s and 1980s.

Jon Hill, senior investigator with the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains at Bragan Bog, Co Monaghan where a new search has begun for the body of ‘disappeared’ teenager Columba McVeigh, 04-06-2019. Image: PA/PA Wire/PA Images

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains has successfully located 13 of the Disappeared over the years and as teams resumed the search at Braggan Bog near Emyvale in County Monaghan this morning, spokesperson Jon Hill said they are remaining hopeful.

“You can’t be too enthusiastic about it because we have been disappointed before and also because the terrain is so difficult,” he said.

“The area has changed over the years; it is 40-odd years since Columba went missing; there is everything against it.

“But we have found people before in exactly the same circumstances.”

He said he has been in contact with the McVeigh family as the teams prepared to move in.

“They likewise are hopeful – but equally they have had their hopes dashed too many times before,” he said.

“So they won’t get too excited until we find him.

“But we have to be hopeful and that is how we remain.”

The searches began in the area last September – but were suspended weeks later due to poor weather.

A wreath and photographs of the three “Disappeared” men whose remains are yet to be recovered, Columba McVeigh (left) Joe Lynskey (centre) and Robert Nairac, on the steps of Stormont, 02-11-2017. Image: Brian Lawless/PA Archive/PA Images

Last month, an anonymous donor in the US offered a €60,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of any of the tree remaining disappeared.

The reward is available to anyone who can offer new information on the location of Columba McVeigh, Joe Lynskey or Robert Nairac – with $20,000 set aside for the recovery of each body.

It only applies to information passed to the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 phone line or via its untraceable anonymous online form.