Hillwalkers have been urged to undergo training and ensure that they are well-equipped before embarking on treks in mountainous areas.
The call from the Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team follows the death of an experienced hillwalker in Co Wicklow. Walter Hammond (71), from Blessington, Co Wicklow, went missing in the Wicklow Mountains on Thursday.
His body was found on Saturday following a comprehensive search of a 50sq km area by mountain rescue teams.
Kenny Roberts, a member of the Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team, said it was important that people were trained and prepared before walking in the mountains.
"Hillwalkers should ensure they know how to use a map and compass to get through the areas they are walking in, and they should also leave a route card marking the direction in which they intend to travel," he said.
"People should not rely entirely on mobile phones either, because in mountainous areas the signal can be weak and cold weather can affect phone batteries."
Mr Roberts said that on Friday the rescue team received a call from gardaí who said that a man was missing in the Black Hill area of Mullaghcleevaun in the Wicklow Mountains. Two search teams were quickly sent to the area.
When Friday's search failed to find Mr Hammond, rescue teams from 12 areas across the country were drafted in for a more intensive search on Saturday.
Almost 150 people, including members of the Garda and Civil Defence, took part in the search, along with an Air Corps helicopter.
At about 2.30pm Mr Hammond's body was found. It was removed from the hillside by the helicopter.
Mr Roberts said that the deceased man had been an "avid walker" throughout his life.
"Mr Hammond was a very fit man who knew the area very well and had a very good knowledge of the Wicklow Mountains. He was very experienced and was well-equipped for his walk," he added.
A former Guinness brewery worker, Mr Hammond had been living in the Blessington area for about 13 years, having moved there from Dublin.
Commenting on his death, a local resident said: "I think people are glad that he was found, but the rest of it has not sunk in yet, it will be a big loss. He loved the Wicklow Mountains. He loved it out walking and he loved the garden, he was a great man."
