A search is underway for a man believed to be missing off the coast of Howth in county Dublin.

It follows reports of a person in difficulty in the water in Balscadden Bay shortly after 7 o'clock yesterday evening.

A search operation was carried out yesterday involving the coast guard unit, the helicopter and Howth lifeboat.

Colin Murray, is the Officer in charge with the Howth Coastguard unit. He says rescue efforts are continuing this morning