'Rural crime remains a serious concern' - big turnout for IFA meeting in wake of suspected arson attack at Rathasker Stud

The bloodstock and racing community came out in force on Monday night at a meeting of the Kildare-West Wicklow branch of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) to show their support for the Burns family of Rathasker Stud, following the recent fire which destroyed three sheds and 600 bales of hay and straw.

This month's blaze is the second to break out on the farm in the last six months and both incidents are suspected to be arson. 

There has been a spate of what is believed to be deliberately started fires in the area around Naas in the last 18 months or so, and the meeting heard from other landowners in the locality who have been victims.

Addressing the meeting, Garda Sergeant Graham Kavanagh, who is the crime prevention officer with the Laois-Offaly Division, said: "There is a live and very active investigation into the fires."

Kavanagh was joined at the meeting by a number of his colleagues from An Garda Siochana in the region, including Inspector Jason Crotty, who has recently been appointed to Naas Garda Station, and the IFA's own crime prevention officer Barry Carey.

The attendance was so large that the partition dividing the Keadeen Hotel's Garden Room had to be taken down to accommodate all those from across the bloodstock and farming communities who had gathered.

With the investigation into the suspicious blazes ongoing, no comment could be made about the specific incidents, but Kavanagh offered general advice on crime prevention measures that could be taken to make stud farms and premises more secure.

A barn after the arson fire at Rathasker StudCredit: Madeline Burns

"Rural crime remains a serious concern for farmers, equestrian professionals and horse breeders," he said.

"Theft of machinery, livestock, fuel and valuable horses can have devastating financial and operational impacts. Additionally, incidents such as vandalism, arson and unauthorised access highlight the need for robust security measures to protect property, animals and personnel."

He also advised those with concerns to consult a fire prevention expert or their local fire service.

General crime prevention tips were also offered and those with more questions were urged to get in touch with their local crime prevention officer, who in counties Kildare, Laois and Offaly is currently Kavanagh.

"Rather than trying to secure an entire farm or stud, focus on targeted security improvements, such as centralised secure storage, CCTV and access control for key areas," he said.

"By investing in layered security measures and working closely with policing and neighbouring farms, rural businesses can significantly reduce their exposure to crime while improving operational security."

Ten days on from the shocking attack which almost claimed the lives of 18 pregnant broodmares, the Burns family continue to deal with the aftermath and cost of the destruction wreaked by the blaze. 

They are determined to do everything in their power to make the local community around Naas and the wider industry aware of the spate of fires, and to do what they can to prevent further incidents.

"If it wasn't me, it would be someone else," said Maurice Burns. "We wanted to highlight the problem and do something to help our friends and neighbours so that they don't have to go through this."

Speaking after the meeting, he added: "At this stage, we're dismantling the sheds and getting everything tidied up, then we have to organise the rebuilding."

Such heavy losses of bedding and fodder would be difficult for any farm to sustain, and Burns has been inundated with calls from farmers, both locally and nationally, offering hay and straw to replace the stock that was burned. 

However, his management practices have at least ensured the farm is well supplied.

The devastation after the fires at Rathasker StudCredit: Madeline Burns

"Luckily enough I try to have two years' supply when the harvest is good, so I've plenty of hay and straw – but I've been so grateful to all the people from around the country who have rung up offering me bales, it's been great," he said. "The support is from the heart."

With the shock of the fire, which raged for ten hours, gradually receding, focus has turned to the practical matters of clearing up the debris and rebuilding, not to mention the start of the covering season for Rathasker's stallions Bungle Inthejungle, Coulsty and Gregorian.

The non-stop nature of farming life means there is little time to dwell on such incidents, however terrifying, and Burns added: "When you're busy, you're grand. When you're farming, it doesn't matter whether you're a stud farmer or a cattle farmer, there will be good days and bad days and you just have to get up in the morning and start again."

Anyone with information about the fire at Rathasker Stud is asked to contact Naas Garda Station on 045 884300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.