The Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore, has said he's shocked by the sharp rise in violent deaths in Ireland.

Eight people have been killed in the first three weeks of this year, compared to six in the first three months of last year. 

Gilmore has condemned the killings, saying that this type of crime has no place in Irish society.

“I’m shocked at the number of killings, and the savagery of them, that have occurred in the early part of this year. I think the priority is to have our sympathies with the families who have been bereaved by these horrific killings and to support the gardai in the work that they’re doing in bringing those who are responsible to justice.”

There have been fatal attacks in Waterford, Offaly, Louth, and five in Dublin - the latest a shooting in Tallaght last night.

Gardai in Dublin are continuing to investigating at the scene on Bohernabreena Road.

It's understood the man, who was in his early 30s, may have been shot.