In 2002, Hansard became the original presenter of Irish broadcaster RTÉ’s acclaimed music series Other Voices.
His charity work has included Dublin’s annual Christmas Eve charity busk in support of the Dublin Simon Community, a charity in the UK and Ireland which helps homeless people.
The busk, which Hansard started in 2010, attracted several high-profile musicians each year including Bono, Sinéad O’Connor, Imelda May and Shane MacGowan.
In a statement, the charity said it was “devastated” to learn of his death, and offered condolences to his friends and family.
“While known to many as a genius songwriter and storyteller, for us, he was threefold that, in his generosity, a true advocate for our work and a giant in the fight against homelessness,” it continued.
“He had deep respect and empathy for those navigating the challenges of homelessness and his natural warmth and compassion always shone through in those moments.
“Glen’s talents will indeed be his legacy but so too will his commitment to social justice. We will be forever indebted to him for the difference he made in the lives of the people we serve.”
Hansard’s friend, artist Colin Davidson, said the annual Christmas Eve busk had become “an international Irish institution in it’s own right”.
He said it was “Glen’s way of getting him and his friends to, not just shine a light on the problem of homelessness, but to actually do something about it financially”.
Davidson told the BBC’s Evening Extra programme that he is “quite broken” by the news of his death and is finding it “pretty difficult to find the words” for how he feels.
“He was unique… he was such an incredibly kind, loyal, warm human being who I am proud to call a friend,” Davidson said.
He said Hansard was “really genuine about everything he said”.
“What’s really important to stress about Glen was how socially aware he was as well.
“When he was passionate about something, when he recognised the need in the world, in society or in the community, he went about doing whatever he could to help.”
