Minister of State for Forestry Shane McEntee has condemned people who continue to set land fires around the country.
Mr McEntee said he is absolutely appalled at the flagrant disregard for the law, property and lives by people who continue to set land fires.
He said that the setting of fires for any purpose is highly irresponsible given the current dry and windy climatic conditions.
Forest industry sources have said it has been one of the worst weekends in the history of Irish forestry for fire damage to State and privately owned forests.
Minister McEntee said that the cost of the damage to the national forestry estate will run to many millions of euro.
He called on all rural dwellers, farmers, forest owners and landowners to co-operate fully with the Forest Service Inspectorate and the Emergency Services.
Co-operation has also been sought by the gardaí to determine the source of the fires and help identify the culprits.
The minister has said when the perpetrators are identified, they will face the possibility of prosecution, fines and imprisonment.
He asked all rural dwellers to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities immediately.
Meanwhile, gorse and forest fires in the northwest of the country are now largely under control.
Rainfall is helping to damp down fires in Co Sligo and firefighters are dealing with areas of smouldering gorse in Co Leitrim.
Chief Fire Officer in Co Donegal Bobby McMenamin has said that all fires are out in the county except for one near Clonmany.
He appealed to people to remain vigilant and if they see any flare-ups to contact the Fire Service.
Dave Duggan, Regional Manager of the National Parks and Wildlife Service said significant damage had been done to wildlife in the county, with habitats and hunting grounds destroyed for birds like the golden eagle and golden plover.
Hares had been driven from the uplands and many smaller creatures also affected, Mr Duggan said, and the impact will be felt on the ecosystem for many years to come.
