Hikers in the North West are being urged to consider the dangers they are putting themselves and others in by setting out in icy conditions.
It’s after a group of people decided to climb Errigal Mountain in Donegal late at night, neglecting to tell anyone of their plans.
Shortly after 11pm last night, Gardai put Donegal Mountain Rescue on standby due to lights being seen on Errigal.
By 23:45, 16 members of the team were waiting to be told where to meet, in the event of a potential rescue of a casualty off Errigal.
Multiple local Garda stations were also involved, some of whom were unable to even travel to the scene due to the hazardous road conditions.
It was revealed that a group of people had made the decision to climb the mountain late at night and neglected to tell anyone of their plan.
Once it was established that the group was safe, the team was stood down shortly after midnight.
In a statement, Donegal Mountain Rescue say thankfully none of the team had to battle the roads or brave the cold weather this time.
People are being asked that if venturing out, to please contact their local Garda station to let them know where you are going, when you intend to leave and when you intend to return.
Donegal Mountain Rescue say that this is essential to avoid an incident last night where the team are tasked late into the night for something that was so easily avoidable.
