People taking to Donegal hills and mountains have been urged to be more responsible after New Year fireworks on Errigal sparked a major search operation.
The volunteer Donegal Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT) were sprung into action in the early hours of yesterday morning after ‘flares’ were reportedly set off on the county’s highest peak. The setting off of flares or fireworks raises callouts to a ‘higher level’, a DMRT spokesperson said.
“At 01:29 am, DMRT were tasked by Gardai to investigate lights flashing on Errigal and flares being launched. A full team call out was launched and call out protocols were initiated by the call out coordinators,” the spokesperson said.
It was later established that persons who went up Errigal for the New Year celebrations had launched what is now suspected to have been fireworks, not flares, and the reported flashing lights were the persons returning to the car park. The team stood down at 03:25 am having established that no cars were in the Errigal Car park at this time.
“Whilst we encourage everyone to enjoy the mountains, day or night, it is important that people remember that there are always people around and flashing lights at night can be very easily mistaken for a person in distress,” the spokesperson added.
“As for setting off flares or fireworks, this raises the call-out to a higher level. Thankfully the call out that morning was dealt with quickly and no one was injured. To those who got out of their beds on New Year’s Day morning to attend the call out, and to Milford Garda station for all their help along with the Garda from Falcarragh Garda Station, we extend our gratitude. Please enjoy our mountains responsibly.”
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