Man in serious condition after fall at Howth cliffs

The Coast Guard coordinated the rescue response, tasking Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 116. File Picture

A man is in a serious condition after falling from a height in the Howth cliffs area of Dublin on Wednesday evening.

The man sustained serious injuries in the incident and was later airlifted to hospital for emergency treatment.

Gardaí confirmed they “assisted emergency services with a medical emergency that occurred in the Howth cliffs area, Co. Dublin at approximately 7.30pm.” 

The Coast Guard coordinated the rescue response, tasking Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 116, Dublin Fire Brigade and the local Howth Coast Guard unit.

At the time, Howth RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat was on routine exercise when the crew were diverted to the scene. A helicopter winchman, who is also an advanced paramedic, was deployed to provide immediate care to the casualty.

Due to the seriousness of the man’s injuries, additional medical support was requested. A volunteer lifeboat crew member, who is a medical doctor, went ashore with two colleagues in a small inflatable boat to assist at the base of the cliff.

After receiving emergency treatment, the man was winched aboard the helicopter and transferred directly to hospital.

Stephen Harris, Howth RNLI launch authority, said the operation required “close coordination between multiple agencies.” 

He added: “We would like to commend our own volunteers, as well as the Coast Guard, helicopter crew and Dublin Fire Brigade, for their swift response. We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery.”