Gardaí are planning to exhume the body of Leitrim man Liam Farrell as part of their renewed investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death in January 2020.
The Department of Justice confirmed to RTÉ's Prime Time that Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has authorised the exhumation of Mr Farrell's remains. It is understood the minister issued an order to permit the exhumation in recent weeks.
The exhumation is to be carried out with the Garda Serious Crime Review Team examining the death of the retired farmer.
State Pathologist Professor Linda Mulligan is expected to carry out the new post-mortem examination.
Last October, a review into how gardaí handled Mr Farrell's death was established by Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly.
Mr Farrell's bruised and bloodied body was found outside his home in the village of Rooskey, Co Leitrim.
At the time, gardaí concluded there was no foul play, and determined Mr Farrell died as a result of a heart attack.
The Farrell family have never accepted that Mr Farrell died solely as a result of a heart attack and suspect a third party was involved in his death.
Since his death they have campaigned and lobbied to have the investigation re-opened.
WATCH: A family's quest for answers after Leitrim death
Following a special Prime Time report on the case last September, the family met with Minister O'Callaghan. A short time later, the Garda Commissioner informed them that the Serious Crime Review Team would be initiating a review.
Prime Time understands that the garda review team has spoken to several people in the Rooskey area in recent months.
In a statement issued to Prime Time, the investigation has been described by gardaí as "active and ongoing".
When the cold case review was announced last year Brendan Farrell, Liam's son, said: "We feel it is a very positive step in the right direction."
The Farrell family declined to comment on the latest revelations that their father's remains are to be exhumed.
Developments in the Liam Farrell case are to be covered on the Thursday 5 March edition of Prime Time, on RTÉ One television and RTÉ Player.
