Gardaí are looking at the possibility that the remains discovered in north Dublin belong to a teenage boy.
Two arms and two legs were found in bag in a residential area in Coolock on Monday night.
A local resident found the bag outside houses at the junction of Moatview Gardens and Drive.
Efforts to identify the remains through DNA analysis are ongoing.
One line of inquiry being pursued by Gardaí is that of a teenager involved in the drug trade who had recently been threatened.
Officers are also checking missing person files to try to identify the remains.
Meanwhile, Forensic Science Ireland is working with the investigation to identify them.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said: "I wish to express my shock and horror at the discovery of dismembered human remains in Dublin yesterday.
"This was a depraved act of violence. I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to the family of the victim.
"A full investigation into this dreadful crime has been launched."
Gardaí have been unable to determine whether the limbs found in a bag in Coolock last night are that of a man or a woman. pic.twitter.com/O8Rnk7Bbtj
— Kacey O'Riordan (@KaceyORiordan) January 14, 2020
Local Councillor John Lyons said the community is afraid following the discovery.
“People are fearful. They are rightly fearful and they are just keeping their heads down,” he said.
“But sadly, people are not surprised by it – even though it is pretty grim and grotesque to discover that somebody’s remains were found in a plastic bag all dismembered. It is shocking.”
The Dublin City Coroner has been notified, and the services of the State Pathologist have been requested.
Gardaí are calling on anyone who has concerns for a loved one they have not heard from in the last number of days to contact them.
They are calling on anyone who was in the area between 9:30pm and 10.00pm on Monday night to contact them. They are particularly interested in talking to drivers who may have dashcam footage that may help the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí in Coolock on 01-666-4200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800-666-111 or any Garda station.
With reporting from Kacey O'Riordan
