Mountain Rescue Ireland

Any request for emergency assistance in the upland and mountainous areas on the island of Ireland is met by a volunteer response from one of the 11 mountain rescue teams that compose Mountain Rescue Ireland (M.R.I.). These teams are on stand by 24/7/365 to respond to requests for assistance are tasked through the 999/112 emergency phone system.

The eleven teams that MRI represents are:

1. Donegal Mountain Rescue Team
2. Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team
3. Galway Mountain Rescue Team
4. Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team
5. Kerry Mountain Rescue Team
6. Mayo Mountain Rescue Team
7. Mourne Mountain Rescue Team
8. North West Mountain Rescue Team
9. Search and Rescue Dog Association of Ireland (SARDA)
10. Sligo/Leitrim Mountain Rescue Team
11. South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association (SEMRA).

Member Q&A

What is your goal? 

We are Ireland’s first responders in remote emergencies. Any request for emergency assistance in the upland and mountainous areas on the island of Ireland is met by a volunteer from one of the 11 mountain rescue teams that compose Mountain Rescue Ireland. There are approximately 400 volunteers across all the teams in Ireland.  

How have you been working towards it? 

We, like any other voluntary organisation, have been damaged with the current world-wide pandemic. Each team generally has two or three events in the calendar year as fundraising events. In 2020 and now in 2021 (to date), this reality is that little to no event will be taking place. We are working hard with each team to try and counteract this deficit and to come up with way to increase awareness of our volunteers. There are online events being organised by individual teams, merchandise sales for different teams, and we are using our social media platforms to highlight each team as well. 

How has being a member of The Wheel helped? 

The Wheel has run many virtual tutorials and these have all helped along the years when Mountain Rescue Ireland was becoming a company. The Wheel has a great presence and the website is full of very useful information. 

How can people support you? 

MRI is a voluntary organisation along with all the 11 mountain rescue teams in Ireland. Each team has a fundraising link on their websites or on their facebook page. 

Do you have any success stories to share? 

We would consider every rescue a success when the person is returned to their families or loved ones. Even in the darkest of rescues, when we have to return a deceased person, we always know that bringing someone home is our priority. It is also always lovely when we hear back from people that have been assisted by the mountain rescue teams, it is always nice to get a text, email or letter and to hear how that person is doing. 

Where can people find out more about your organisation?

Website: www.mountainrescue.ie   

Facebook: Mountain rescue Ireland  

Twitter: @Mtn_Rescue_IE