The remains of Private Seán Rooney are to be repatriated from Lebanon today.

Three separate investigations have begun into the death of the young soldier who was killed on Wednesday night when the vehicle he was travelling in was attacked.

The Irish Defence Forces have confirmed the 24-year-old from County Donegal will be brought back to Ireland by the Irish Air Corps CASA aircraft, departing Beirut at 4pm local time.

A solemn UN ceremony will be held to honour him in Beirut Airport prior to his departure at 2pm Irish time.

His body will then be brought to Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, where his remains will be reunited with his family tomorrow morning.

The aircraft which will take Private Seán Rooney's body home. Picture by: Tom Douglas.

Two other Irish soldiers injured in the attack have been treated for their injuries and are now safely returned to Camp Shamrock.

Since Wednesday, a number of politicians have expressed their sympathies to the Rooney family inside and outside the Dáil.

Private Seán Rooney’s best friend has paid tribute to the man he described as “the most kind-hearted, caring person in the world”.

“He was funny, witty,” Christopher described.

“He was one of the best people. He’s the most kind-hearted, caring person in the world.

“He loved his friends, he loved his family and he took pride in it.”

Christopher and Seán

Funeral details for Mr Rooney are yet to be announced.

Louth County Council has opened a book of condolences for the late soldier at County Hall.

Flags have been flying at half-mast at military barracks around the country as a mark of respect.

Main image shows Private Seán Rooney in his army uniform.