The Irish Mountain Rescue Association (IMRA) has reported that it assisted in almost 30 per cent more search and rescue incidents last year than it did in 2005.

The 229 incidents included searches, rescues and standby assistance. The report shows that there were 10 per cent more rescues and 10 per cent fewer searches conducted by the IMRA than there were in 2005.

Gerry Christy of the rescue association said that while the number of incidents had grown, it did not proportionately reflect the increasing popularity of hill walking and climbing. "More people are joining clubs now and walking gear has even become fashionable. Walkers are a bit more experienced and the right gear is certainly helpful in staving off hypothermia," he said.

The latest figures show that 130 of the reported 350 people assisted by the IMRA in 2006 were injured. Ten of these died as a result of their injuries. In 2005 and 2004 there were 63 and 79 people reported injured respectively, but there were a greater number of fatalities in those years.

"Being rescued is not a reflection of inexperience," Christy said. "The most experienced people can require assistance."

While lower limb injuries were predominant among those who were rescued by the rescue association last year (38 per cent), medical problems were also a frequent occurrence (17 per cent).

Summer and autumn are reported to be the busiest times for the association and, as in previous years, over half of all incidents occur on Saturdays and Sundays.

There are currently 350 voluntary mountain rescue workers on constant standby to offer assistance to hill walkers and mountaineers who find themselves in difficulty.

"We are very fortunate because we don't have a problem in attracting volunteers. For people who already have an interest in the outdoors, the IMRA is an opportunity to match that interest with a desire to give something back to society," rescue association development officer, Paul Whiting said.

The recent report also showed that almost 1,047 working days were invested by mountain rescue association teams in operations in 2006.

"A good deal of commitment is required to be part of a rescue team," Whiting said. He added that the rescue association trains volunteers in navigation, communications, helicopter manoeuvres, rope work and first aid.

According to Whiting, accidents can occur in the mountains for a variety of reasons.

"Bad luck, the weather, poor preparation, inadequate skills are among the dangers that hill walkers or mountaineers can encounter," he said.