Farmers in Co. Kildare have been urged to be "vigilant" following a recent arson attack on a stud farm near Naas, which caused €150,000 in damages.

The fire on February 7 happened at Rathasker Stud where about 18 in-foal mares were endangered but taken away from the stud before any damage.

Owner of Rathasker Stud, Maurice Burns said that workers were on the farm up until 3:30p.m, and that the fire was spotted at 5:20p.m. Two sheds, 600 bales and a horse box were all burned in the fire.

"We were unlucky to lose the fodder and sheds but it could have been so much worse. If the animals were lost it would be a totally different story," Burns said.

This was the second time that Rathasker Stud was targeted by arson attacks, and Burns said that there has been 10 fires caused by arson within a mile radius in the last 18 months.

Due to ongoing issues, the Kildare branch of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) held a meeting last night (Monday, February 17) in the Keadeen Hotel where rural crime was the key discussion point.

Kildare IFA chair Denis Halpin said that the attendance doubled for the rural crime discussion, with over 200 members of agricultural, equestrian businesses and public representatives in attendance at the meeting.

Halpin said that many farmers are "concerned" in the area and that "there is no telling where the gang will go next".

Halpin urged farmers in the area to check that CCTV is installed and working, consider installing lighting to deter crimes, and to report all incidents of suspicious cars or trespassers.

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