Gardaí are investigating the circumstances after a man aged in his 70s was found unresponsive, and subsequently pronounced dead, on a road in rural Co. Cork.

The man was discovered unresponsive on a road in the Kildarra area near Bandon, with Gardaí and emergency services being alerted shortly before 6:30a.m on Saturday morning last (July 19).

The man was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency responders a short time later.

The coroner was notified and the deceased was removed to the mortuary at Cork University Hospital.

A post-mortem exam was arranged, the results of which, as of yesterday (Monday, July 21), were being awaited by Gardaí to determine the course of their inquiries.

Foul play is not currently suspected. A file will be prepared for the coroner.

It is understand that the deceased was a 77-year-old farmer named Gus Dempsey.

He was named in a Dáil debate earlier this month by Cork South West TD Michael Collins, in which Collins said that the deceased had been homeless since a fire at his home some six months earlier.

Deputy Collins made the remarks in a debate on nursing homes and housing for the elderly.

According to Collins, he had mentioned the farmer during the Dáil debate at the latter's request.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward who may have information on his death.

In particular, they are seeking information regarding a male observed cycling on roads in the vicinity of Kildarra in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Additionally, any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam footage) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make it available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on 023 885 2200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.