Killarney Water Rescue Search and Recovery Team, says it urgently needs a base on the shores of Lough Léin, after seven kayakers were rescued in extreme weather conditions on Wednesday evening.
The extreme weather was not forecast and arrived very quickly, catching anglers and other water users by surprise.
The leaders of the kayaking group responded to the sudden change in weather, by seeking shelter from the storm, from where they called for assistance.
Killarney Water Rescue's Search and Recovery team performed a successful rescue operation, bringing everyone to safety at Ross Castle.
Rescuers say it was a difficult operation in very challenging and dangerous conditions, as very low water levels made the situation more dangerous and posed a real threat to the rescue boats and team members.
Killarney Water Rescue says the incident highlights the urgent need for a permanent base of operations on the lake shore.
Currently, equipment is stored in private homes, far away from the lake - meaning the response time to emergency call-outs is prolonged.
