Gardaí have issued an appeal for assistance from the public on the 31st anniversary of the disappearance of 22-year-old Imelda Keenan.

Ms Keenan, originally from Mountmellick, county Laois, was last seen in Waterford City on Monday, January 3rd, 1994.

The 22-year-old had moved to Waterford and was living with her boyfriend when she disappeared.

On the day she vanished, Imelda left her apartment at 1.30pm and walked down William Street onto Lombard Street.

The last confirmed sighting of Ms Keenan was at the corner of the Tower Hotel and Lombard Street where she was seen crossing the street.

She was reported missing by her brother the following day.

A computer generated image of what Imelda Keenan would look like today - 31 years since her disappearance. Image: An Garda Síochána

Despite an extensive Garda investigation, there have been no more confirmed sightings of Imelda since January 3rd, 1994.

If Imelda is still alive, she would now be 53-years-old.

"Imelda, 22-years-old and originally from Mountmellick in County Laois, was a resident of Waterford City while pursuing her studies when she disappeared without a trace,” Superintendent Gavin Hegarty said.

“Imelda was known for her quiet demeanour, her love of music and her strong family ties.

“Despite extensive investigations spanning 31 years, the silence surrounding her fate remains unbroken.

“We continue to urge anyone with information or the ability to assist our investigation to come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí.

Imelda Keenan. Image: An Garda Síochána