Investigation begins into violent death of taxi driver in Dundalk

Gardaí in Co Louth investigating the violent death of a taxi driver near Dundalk early on Monday have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Named locally as Martin Mulligan (53), a father of two from Lower Point Road in Dundalk, the victim is believed to have been attacked and stabbed a few kilometres outside the town.

He was a well-known independent taxi driver and was working when he was killed.

His body was found in the middle of a small road, the R177, near the M1 motorway by a female passerby at about 3am.

Mr Mulligan’s car, a silver-coloured Louth registered Skoda Octavia, registration 07 LH 5599, with a taxi roof sign, was found parked a short distance away from where his body was discovered.

The crime scene was in an area known as Kilcurry on what locals call the Armagh Road and is just over 1km from the Border and around 5km from Dundalk town centre.

The spot is also near where the M1 motorway crosses overhead.

Family members visited the scene in the morning as news began to filter through of the violent death.

Two cars, including Mr Mulligan’s taxi, were taken from the scene for further forensic tests.

Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis conducted a preliminary examination on Mr Mulligan’s body at the scene. It was later removed for a postmortem at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

The scene at Kilcurry has been preserved for further forensic and technical examinations.

Garda Superintendent Gerry Curley from Dundalk Garda station confirmed the death is being treated as suspicious and appealed for anyone who travelled the R177 between 2am and 3am to contact them.

He also asked for anyone who travelled in Mr Mulligan’s taxi between 9.30pm on Sunday and 3.30am on Monday to contact them, particularly those who were in the Kilcurry area between 1am and 3.30am.

An incident room has been set up at Dundalk Garda station. A senior investigating officer and a Garda family liaison officer have been appointed to the case.

The incident room can be contacted at (042) 9388400 and the Garda Confidential Line at 1800666111.