Two rescued from car on Sally Gap

Two people were rescued from their car on Wicklow's Sally Gap last night after becoming stuck in snowfalls there.

Gardaí asked local mountain rescue teams to find two men who had become stuck near Roundwood at around 4am, after attempting to cross the mountain pass in inclement conditions in a small hatchback car.

Drivers from the Glen of Imaal and Dublin-Wicklow mountain rescue teams used specially adapted 4x4 vehicles to access the Sally Gap approach roads in treacherous conditions.

The pair were found an hour later, uninjured.

The Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap roads are expected to remain covered in snow for at least another 24 hours and motorists are advised to take an alternative route.

"Naturally people are drawn to see the snowy conditions both on the roads and in the hills and we're asking drivers and hillwalkers alike to prepare themselves for their journeys," said a spokesperson for the Glen of Imaal Red Cross Mountain Rescue team.

"If you're heading up Lugnaquillia or another of the higher hills to see the ice and snow, make sure that you and have sufficient navigational equipment and skills, clothing and experience to complete your trip."