The cold case murder of a gay man in Dublin in 1982 may now have a new lead.

Charles Self, a Scottish-born set designer for Ireland's national broadcaster RTE, was brutally murdered almost 30 years ago at the age of 33; however, no charges have ever been brought.

But now, new leads center on a fingerprint found close to where Self was murdered, and on a detailed statement from a taxi driver who thought he saw the victim with another man on the night of his killing.

Known Irish serial killer Malcolm MacArthur was interviewed about Self's murder, but senior police sources told the Herald that the double-killer is no longer considered a suspect in the case.

"The victim was a well-known member of Dublin's then small gay community in 1982 and we would appeal for anyone who may have been fearful of dealing with the police because of their sexuality 29 years ago to come forward now," a source told the Herald.

"Gardai and the gay community now have a great working relationship," the source added.

At the time that Self was murdered, homosexuality was still illegal in Ireland, meaning his associates had reason to be fearful of co-operating with the original Irish police investigation.

Self was murdered in his flat on Brighton Avenue, Monkstown, south Dublin, on January 21, 1982. He had knife wounds to his chest and neck and police also discovered a scarf around his neck.

The victim, originally from Glasgow, was involved in the design of a number of banner RTE shows including the Late Late Show, then hosted by Gay Byrne. He had worked with the State broadcaster for nine years before his murder.

On the night he was murdered Self had earlier been socializing in a pub on Duke Street, in Dublin's city center.