Anger over ‘scandalous’ Slieve Blooms barrier

A NEW barrier erected in the Slieve Bloom Mountains was slammed as “scandalous” at a council meeting.

Cllr Seamus McDonald said local people are “disgusted” that a barrier was installed at the Ridge of Capard by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), without any communication or consultation.

He explained that visitors cannot walk up to view three special plaques that were unveiled at the panoramic site by the Slieve Bloom Association, because the barrier blocks access.

“This barrier should not have been erected at all. I think it was scandalous what the NPWS did and people are disgusted that it was done,” cllr McDonald told the June meeting of Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District.

He added: “The barrier goes right across the area where the three plaques were erected and people can’t walk up to view them. There was no communication from the NPWS.” 

A member and former chairperson of the Slieve Bloom Association, cllr McDonald asked Laois Co Council to contact the NPWS to remove the barrier. The Rosenallis councillor said there was no reason for the barrier to be installed, as there was no dumping or anti-social behaviour at the scenic site.

He was supported by cllr James Kelly, who said the issue was “a matter of urgency”. He said that, while it was a low barrier, it stopped people walking any further.

Senior engineer Rory O’Callaghan confirmed that the county council would contact the NPWS regarding removal of the barrier.

Two of the three plaques on a large block of stone were unveiled last April, at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Slieve Bloom Association.

The plaques commemorate the late Mary Lynch from the Ridge of Capard and the late Mary B. Culliton from Mountmellick, who were both members of the Association for over 40 years.

An earlier plaque honours Mary B’s husband Tomás Culliton, who was a member of the Association for over 25 years and served as its chairperson from 1992 to 2002.