Sallygap(04/04/12)

At approximately 4am last night An Garda Síochána requested the assistance of the Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and the Glen of Imaal Irish Red Cross Mountain Rescue Team to assist two people on the Sally Gap road near Roundwood. As snow fell in Wicklow last night, the two young, male drivers had attempted to cross the Sally Gap in a small hatchback car. They had become stuck near the crossroads and fearing for their safety they had contacted emergency services to assist them.

Both teams responded immediately to attempt to locate the men. As their exact location was unknown, experienced drivers from both teams used specially adapted 4×4 vehicles to access the Sally Gap approach roads in treacherous conditions. The pair were located at approximately 5am between Pier Gates and the Sally Gap crossroads, They were assessed by mountain rescue medical personnel and brought to safety in a mountain rescue vehicle.

The Sally Gap and Wicklow Gap roads are expected to remain covered in snow for at least another 24 hours. Although a relatively small amount of snow has fallen, the conditions underfoot are making driving over those two passes very difficult. Mountain Rescue and An Garda Síochána are advising motorists to avoid these routes until conditions improve.