Two kite-surfers were rescued by emergency services after they got into difficulty off the coast of Louth this morning.

Rescue 116, Coast Guard and the RNLI were launched to help the pair in Dundalk Bay.

A spokesperson for the RNLI told Her: 

"The lifeboat was launched to reports of windsurfers in difficulty North of Dundalk Bay. "Rescue 116 helicopter was also launched and local Coast Guard.  About a mile and a half off shore the lifeboat crew were told they had been recovered safely ashore and the lifeboat was stood down. "All safe."

A spokesperson for the Irish Coast Guard confirmed the news on social media, urging people to stay away from the coastline.

They added:

“Irish Coast Guard units RNLI and Rescue 116 were tasked this morning to kite surfers in difficulty off Co. Louth.

“We strongly advise the public to stay away from the coast during storm conditions #Ophelia.”

It comes as ESB Networks issued a warning to people across the country during ex-Hurricane Ophelia. The massive storm is expected to batter the entire country throughout the day, moving up from Cork and Kerry to cover the entire country. The ESB posted the warning on their website to make sure that people stay safe during the event.

An updated status red wind warning has been issued from Met Éireann for all parts of the country. ESB Networks expects extensive damage to electricity infrastructure with many customers without electricity from early tomorrow morning. When safe to do so, ESB Networks crews will be dispatched to the affected areas making the electricity network safe and assessing the damage, so that power can be restored as quickly and effectively as possible. Our priority will be taking calls relating to emergency and dangerous situations.  ESB Networks asks customers to phone ESB Networks on 1850 372 999 if they see fallen wires or damage to the electricity Network. Under no circumstances should anyone approach fallen wires or any debris, equipment, animals etc which may be close to or touching a fallen wire.  These are likely to be live. Please make sure to have a torch when going outside in darkness in case the storm has caused trees to fall down on the Electricity Network. For information on outages, please check Powercheck.ie and we will be updating Twitter and our website esbnetworks.ie  with updates on repairs and restoration times throughout the day. To be prepared to be without Electricity in case their area is hit by the storm:

• Have plenty of food and water available
• Have torches with spare batteries available
• Make sure your phone is charged and if possible you have a phone charger for your car
• Please check that elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours are prepared to be without electricity
• If you have electric gates please check you know how to work them manually

Read the full warning here.