Mr Mulligan's taxi at the scene of the killing
Gardai are appealing to the public for any possible witnesses to the fatal stabbing of a taxi driver in County Louth.
The victim, named as local man Martin Mulligan (53), was described today as a 'hard-working family man'.
Mr Mulligan was from the Waterview estate on Lower Point Road in Dundalk, and was discovered by a passer-by at approximately 3.15am.
Gardai are keeping an open mind regarding his death but are examining the possibility he was killed during a robbery.
Detectives are appealing to the public for anybody who may have been picked by Mr Mulligan yesterday evening or late last night.
The victim was found in his silver coloured Skoda Octavia, registration number 07 LH 5599, which was found on a quiet link road from the R177, 4km from Dundalk.
The scene at Carn More/Kilcurry has been preserved for a forensic and technical examination and the office of the State Pathologist has attended the scene.
A post-mortem examination is expected to take place this evening at Our Lady of Lourdes Hopital, Drogheda.
An incident room has been established at Dundalk Garda Station. A senior investigating officer and a Garda family liaison officer has been appointed in the case.
Superintendent Gerry Curley at is appealing for witnesses to the incident. He confirmed that Martin Mulligan began working as a taxi driver last night at approximately 9.30pm.
Members of the victim's family also visited the scene earlier this morning.
The chairperson of Dundalk Municipal District, Cllr Maria Doyle said, "I was shocked to hear about this death. To hear that someone has been stabbed and left to die alone in our locality is horrific."
Superintendent Curley added that Gardaí are appealing for any person who may have utilised Mr. Mulligan’s services during the night to contact them or anyone with information, particularly those who were in the Cran More/Kilcurry area between 1am and 3.30am this morning, to contact the incident room at Dundalk Garda Station on 042 9388400, the Garda Confidential Line, 1800666111 or any Garda Station.