Two Lugnacoille climbers airlifted to hospital

Two climbers who got into difficulty on Lugnacoille Mountain in Co Wicklow have been airlifted to safety this evening, the Defence Forces have confirmed.

"At approximately 5pm, the men were bought down to an area where the helicopters could land," said assistant Defence Forces press officer captain Pat O'Connor.

"They were then airlifted to hospital separately by one Coast Guard helicopter and one Air Corp. helicopter."

Their condition has been described as stable, and it is understood that they are en route to Tallaght Hospital.

A massive search operation was launched after the men, who are in their 30s, went missing last night.

Rescue workers reached them earlier today and they were treated at the scene while specialised equipment was brought in, before being airlifted.