Speaking at a Mass service in the neighbouring community of Glencullen this morning, Fr. Andrew O' Sullivan acknowledged the community's grief, saying: "It is a time of sadness and great loss for them."
Commenting on the devastating aftermath of the blaze which broke out in Carrickmines in the early hours of Saturday morning, Fr. O' Sullivan continued: "People are very much aware of the fragility of life and how these terrible tragedies can happen without any warning or notice."
Acknowledging the public's desire to assist those in need as they come to terms with the tragedy, the parish priest advised parishioners of their options: saying: "We ask that people wanting to express their solidarity with the community, we have spoken to St Vincent’s De Paul and if people wish to give in some way they may do so."
"We are going to work with St Vincent De Paul to see what we can do on a slightly bigger scale to help those who have been left behind by this," he continued.
Echoing the priest's sentiments following the service, local man, Ned O'Connor, spoke of his own shock and disbelief.
"It is unbelievable, two families wiped out on one night. This is one of the biggest tragedies in the country, this fire," he said.
Paying tribute to the those that perished in the blaze, he continued: "They never seemed to interfere with anyone, it is a lovely site, they always kept it very well."
The victims, whose funerals will be marked by the State by the flying of flags at half mast, won't be far from the public's mind as the community come to terms with the heartbreaking incident.
"We are just remembering them in our thoughts and prayers and on a more practical level the local community are offering their support in every way they can," explained Fr. O'Sullivan.
According to RTÉ reports, the site has been visited by an Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Chief Super Diarmaid O' Sullivan his afternoon.
