It is understood that approximiately 40 calves have died in a fire at a farm in the Lettergull area of Raphoe, Co. Donegal last night (Thursday, March 13).

Gardaí and the fire brigade in Co. Donegal were alerted to the incident in a large shed on the premises at around 10:45p.m.

Gardaí are examining all of the circumstances surrounding the incident, and investigations are ongoing. There were no injuries reported.

The scene has been preserved and a technical examination will follow, according to gardaí.

Meanwhile, investigations continue into a fire early last month at Rathasker Stud in Naas, Co. Kildare.

The incident is believed to have occurred at approximately 5:25p.m on February 7 when a hay shed on the grounds went on fire. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene and the fire was extinguished by the emergency services.

The incident caused €150,000 in damages, with two sheds, 600 bales, and a horse box all reported to be burned, according to the farmer.

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

Kildare IFA chair Denis 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.

Every year the emergency services attend fires on farms, most commonly due to blazes in hay barns. Most hay barn fires start as a result of either natural processes, carelessness or arson on a farm.