Donegal Mountain Rescue Team has appealed to the public to stay safe and inform their local gardaí if they plan to climb mountains during the cold snap, following a late-night callout.
An Garda Síochána in Galway received a report last night that lights were spotted on Errigal, Donegal's highest mountain and they placed Donegal Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT) on standby following the alert.
Shortly before midnight, 16 members of the rescue team were on standby awaiting instruction in the event of an extrication of a casualty.
A spokesperson for DMRT said: "Letterkenny, Milford and An Fál Carrach 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 Errigal 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 at 00.04 hours last night. Thankfully, none of our members had to battle the roads or brave the cold weather this time."
It is understood the group may have been descending the mountain. The crew of the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team are all volunteers.
The DMRT spokesperson 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 like last night, where the team were tasked late into the night for something that was so easily avoidable.
"Please stay safe as this cold snap continues. We wish for everyone to enjoy our hills at all times of the year, but please consider our emergency services and the volunteers involved and plan your excursion, should you wish to step out your door."
