The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains has confirmed that during the recovery process at Coghalstown, Co Meath, it was found there was more than one body in the grave.
The recovery process will continue later this morning.
The State Pathologist attended the site.
RTÉ News understands two bodies may have been recovered.
The area is associated with three men abducted and killed by the IRA in 1972: Kevin McKee, Seamus Wright and Joe Lynskey.
Seamus Wright was from Belfast and was working as an asphalt layer. He was married and 25 years old when he went missing in October 1972.
Despite extensive searches undertaken by the commission at Coghalstown, his remains were not located. Some of his family members are senior members in Sinn Féin.
Kevin McKee was from Belfast and he disappeared in October 1972. Based on information in the past, the commission also carried out extensive searches at Coghalstown for his remains.
Joseph Lynskey was a former Cistercian monk from the Beechmount area of west Belfast. He went missing during the summer of 1972.
RTÉ News understands from Republican sources that Seamus Wright and Kevin McKee were buried in a double grave.
The remaining ‘Disappeared’ are Columba McVeigh, disappeared on 1 November 1975; Robert Nairac disappeared in 1977; Seamus Ruddy, disappeared on 9 May 1985.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has welcomed the news of the discovery.
Mr Adams said: “I thank everyone who has helped in the search of the remains of those who were killed and secretly buried by the IRA. Republicans have co-operated fully with the commission and we now need to continue to do our utmost to bring closure for the remaining families.
“I want to appeal again for anyone with any information on those remains still not found to bring that information forward to the families, to the Commission or myself,” he added.
