An Garda Siochana are currently severely under staffed due to the government's recruitment restriction and barely able to cope with their regular policing duties. Civil defence is generally not equipped or trained to undertake specialised rescues and while the Coast guard helicopters are an invaluable asset to mountain rescue they cannot operate in all weathers. If you are lying on a mountainside in bad weather, with fading light and a badly broken leg it's unlikely to be a Garda, civil defence member or helicopter crew that will be coming to your assistance. Mountain rescue teams provide a service to the state that is not getting fair recognition and to hint that they are not really needed by mentioning all other services (no disrespect to them - they also do a great job) is simply an insult to mountain rescue. Give mountain rescue the support they need and deserve.
Fergal Hill
Posted on 8 Jul 2011 8:57 pm
An Garda Siochana are currently severely under staffed due to the government's recruitment restriction and barely able to cope with their regular policing duties. Civil defence is generally not equipped or trained to undertake specialised rescues and while the Coast guard helicopters are an invaluable asset to mountain rescue they cannot operate in all weathers. If you are lying on a mountainside in bad weather, with fading light and a badly broken leg it's unlikely to be a Garda, civil defence member or helicopter crew that will be coming to your assistance. Mountain rescue teams provide a service to the state that is not getting fair recognition and to hint that they are not really needed by mentioning all other services (no disrespect to them - they also do a great job) is simply an insult to mountain rescue. Give mountain rescue the support they need and deserve.