Late night Errigal climbers spark alarm in freezing conditions

A group of climbers who decided to summit Errigal mountain late on Thursday night sparked alarm among emergency services.

Donegal Mountain Rescue Team was placed on standby shortly after 11pm after reports of lights seen on the mountain.

After being alerted by An Garda Síochána, Donegal Mountain Rescue team had 16 of its members on standby in sub-zero temperatures. 

Gardai from Letterkenny, Milford and Falcarragh stations were also involved with some of them unable to even travel to the scene due to the hazardous road conditions.

DMRT was awaiting news of a rendezvous point at 11.45pm, but at 12.04am the team was stood down after it was established that the group on the mountain was safe.

“It was revealed that a group of people had made the decision to climb Errigal late at night and neglected to tell anyone of their plan,” DMRT said.

“Thankfully, none of our members had to battle the roads or brave the cold weather this time.”

DMRT has appealed for people to inform their local Garda Station if they do decide to embark on such ventures.

They said: “These are unusually dangerous conditions we are experiencing at the moment. We understand that our landscape, although beautiful all year round, can be particularly striking in the snow. 

“Can we please ask that, even though we advise that you stay on lower ground and remain safe, if you do venture out, please contact your local Garda station to let them know where you are going, when you intend to leave and when you intend to return. 

“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.”

Read next: Foul play not suspected after post-mortem of body of a man (30s) found in Burnfoot

DMRT has asked for people to consider the emergency services and its own volunteers when planning an excursion.