Boy racers, burnt out cars, rampant littering and anti social behaviour are causing a huge problem in the Slieve Bloom mountains.
So claimed Laois councillor James Kelly this week. Cllr Kelly said, "over the past couple of months there are groups of boy racers congregating at these locations late at night and racing on the mountain, and there is a lot of anti-social behaviour taking place which is causing stress to the local residents and farmers."
He said that road safety signs had been removed from their poles and road safety poles had been lifted out of the ground.
A commemeration stone had also been lifted off its plinth. "It was placed in the centre of the car park and these racers drive around it," noted Cllr Kelly.
"Four to five Council direction signs have been taken. We need to get something done. Ard Eirin is the highest point in the Slieve Blooms. One elderly resident is in fear up there," he noted.
"The place is wrecked up there," said Cllr Seamus McDonald. "The roads have been ripped up. The Council should visit the area."
Cllr Conor Bergin said the area was in "an appalling state. The plaque has been smashed, there is bad littering and anti social behaviour. There is an enforcement issue there for both the Council and the Gardaí. There are elderly residents there who are afraid.
"The Slieve Blooms are our greatest national asset. We want more visitors there particularly during this period of staycations. These issues have to be addressed."
