The Health and Safety Authority is to carry out an investigation into the latest farm fatality. George Kelly (69), of Ballycolgan, died at the weekend following an accident involving livestock on his farm near Edenderry, Co Offaly.
While details of the accident have not been released, Mr Kelly's death was said to be the 10th so far this year where the victim was over 65 years.
Mr Kelly was the 17th farm fatality in the State this year, which indicates a rise in farm accidents.
The Health and Safety Authority has been warning farmers of the growing number of deaths involving older people on Irish farms.
It believes the growing trend in part-time farming has contributed to the rise in such deaths as older people, relatives and neighbours are now tending stock to allow younger farmers work off-farm.
There is also concern in farming and veterinary circles that this trend is contributing to more livestock being less domesticated than in the past.
This had led to more accidents and deaths on farms caused by livestock which were previously handled every day. However, this is not now possible due to the number of part-time farmers who may have minimal contact with animals.
Research has shown that while the majority of farm deaths and accidents involve machinery, 12.5 per cent of fatalities in the past five years were caused by livestock.
Another recent livestock-related death occurred in Co Mayo in May when a young farmer was attacked by a bull and subsequently died from his injuries.
Earlier this year Tom Beegan, chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive, said that a recurring feature of farm fatalities and injuries in recent years had been the number of animal-related incidents.