Glen Hansard has died in a road crash in Dublin.

The 56-year-old died in a motorbike crash the early hours of Wednesday morning near the Strawberry Beds in Lucan.

He was was the lead singer of The Frames and had a solo career in more recent years.

He won an Oscar in 2008 for Best Song for Falling Slowly from the film Once, alongside his co-star and co-writer Markéta Irglová.

TY0CDT Glen Hansard (L) and Marketa Irglova hold the Oscar they won for best achievement in music (original song) for "Falling Slowly" from the movie "Once" at the 80th Academy Awards in Hollywood on February 24, 2008. (UPI Photo/Phil McCarten)

In a statement, his management company said his family is "shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time".

ATC Management said it's announcing the passing of the musician with "broken hearts".

"The family is grateful for the support they have received and wishes to thank the emergency services who attended the scene.

"As this matter remains the subject of an active Garda investigation, no further comment will be made at this time."

Glen Hansard performs at OhanaFest Day2 Doheny State Beach on September 25, 2021 in Dana Point, California (Credit Image: © Marissa Carter/ZUMA Press Wire)

The Taoiseach has expressed his sadness at Glen Hansard's death.

Micheál Martin's described him as a "talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland's cultural landscape over many years".

Former President Michael D Higgins said "Glen was a wonderful musician and performer, a troubadour whose gift for storytelling brought so much joy to audiences across the world".

His music career spanned four decades. He formed The Frames in 1990 and also acted in the BAFTA winning movie The Commitments in 1991, which was based on the novel of the same name by Roddy Doyle.