Hillwalkers flouting 5km limits in Kerry, say mountain rescue workers

Nine climbers in four parties had to be rescued from Ireland's highest mountain in sub-zero conditions this week

Rescue workers have appealed to people to observe the 5km travel restriction after they had to rescue people from Ireland's highest mountain this week. Picture: Kerry Mountain Rescue Team

Rescue services are appealing to hill walkers and others to obey the travel restrictions in Kerry.

The 5km restriction on travel is being widely flouted in Co Kerry as hundreds of hillwalkers travel to well-known and much-loved beauty spots. Local mountaineering groups and rescue bodies say there are hundreds arriving daily to climb Mangerton in Killarney and Mount Brandon in west Kerry, violating the restrictions and putting locals and rescuers at risk.