Kildare farmers and animal owners urged to exercise caution during current heatwave

An Orange Fire Risk Warning is also in place

By Ciarán Mather Published 24th Jun 2026, 12:00 BST Kildare farmers and animal owners urged to exercise caution during current heatwave | FILE PHOTOGRAPH / PIXABAY An Orange Fire Risk Warning is also in place Sign up to our Kildare Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kildare Live within your account.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has urged farmers, horse and pet owners in County Kildare and beyond to exercise caution during the current heatwave.

Martin Heydon TD (Fine Gael), alongside the Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins TD (Fianna Fáil), are advising farmers and pet owners to protect their animals and themselves during the current high temperatures affecting the country.

Ministers Heydon and Collins are also urging people to be vigilant to fire as an Orange Fire Risk Warning is in place.

READ NEXT: Average three bed semi in Kildare costs nearly €464,000

Explaining the importance of exercising caution during the hot weather, Minister Heydon said: “It is important that farmers, horse and pet owners take steps to protect their animals during high temperatures to avoid the possibility of serious health and welfare problems arising due to the excessive heat.

“Hot weather can pose a risk to pets and livestock and it is vital to take action to protect animals in these conditions,” he added. “Having adequate shelter or shade and ensuring a plentiful supply of drinking water are particularly important to protect animals from heat stroke and discomfort.”

LEFT: Martin Heydon TD (Fine Gael). RIGHT: Niall Collins TD (Fianna Fáil) | PHOTO CREDIT: OIREACHTAS.IE FIRE WARNING

In addition, Minister Collins warned that, arising from current high temperatures, a high fire risk exists in all areas where dead grasses and dry shrubs such as heather and gorse exist: “I would encourage all landowners and managers to be vigilant to all fire activity and to report all suspicious activity to An Garda Síocáhna.

“Fire lines, Fire Plans, and fire suppression equipment should be made ready.

“I would also remind the public to cooperate with all fire safety requirements, not to light open fires or barbeques in high-risk areas, and rural users should co-operate with all requests regarding fire safety, and ensure vehicles do not to impede access by emergency services.”

Minister Collins also advised farmers and outdoor workers to protect themselves in hot weather, especially as farmers ‘are the most important asset on any farm’.

He elaborated: “Farmers and outdoor workers must stay safe in the sun by avoiding the intense heat during peak hours from 11am to 3pm.

“When outside, farmers should wear light, loose-fitting clothes that cover the skin, alongside a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

“Any exposed skin should be protected by regularly applying water-resistant sunscreen, using at least factor 30+ for adults and 50+ for children.”

Minister Collins concluded: “Finally, always stay in the shade whenever possible and keep well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.”

Read More Irish Lotto logo under scrutiny as experts call for change over 'child-friendly' look 'Fell in love with them' - Loving family rescue inseparable pair from Kildare rescue Talented Kildare actress to bring powerful story to Galway Film Fleadh PICTURES: Stunning Kildare home for sale in one of Ireland's most prestigious private estates COMMENT: Breffni, the new Carlow for Kildare footballers Bring your own sunscreen to Kildare's public parks PET SAFETY

Both Ministers also outlined a series of steps to take in order to ensure pets are safe in hot weather.

Lastly, they stressed for the public be aware of the signs of heat stroke: “If dogs become too hot, this may lead to heat stroke, a serious condition which can be fatal.

“Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness or seizures.”

They concluded: “If you suspect your dog has heat exhaustion or heat stroke, please seek immediate veterinary attention and try to cool the dog down by moving to a cooler location, preferably indoors, wetting their body, ears and paws with cool (not very cold) water and offering small volumes of cool or lukewarm (not cold) water to drink.”

Furthermore, the Ministers outlined some key points to reduce the impact of high temperatures on farm animals and horses.

Firstly, they emphasised to ensure a plentiful supply of drinking water:

Secondly, they said that there should be easy access to suitable shade or shelter:

Fourthly, they said that intensively housed species, such as pigs and poultry, may need additional checks:

Lastly, the Ministers urged farmers to monitor all livestock closely for health issues or heat stress:

READ NEXT: Plans to restrict vehicular traffic on this Kildare bridge

Related topics: Martin Heydon Kildare Animals weather warnings Niall Collins Agriculture Farming Sign up to our Kildare Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kildare Live within your account.