Gardaí and council aim to stop 'intimidating' car meets in Slieve Bloom mountains
Measures to be installed to prevent anti-social car rallying in scenic spot
Gardaí are to meet Laois County Council staff and a local councillor to discuss how to prevent 'intimidating' car enthusiasts gathering in the Slieve Bloom mountains, displaying anti-social behaviour.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Paddy Bracken has asked the council to undertake works at Glendine "to alleviate anti-social behaviour and to discourage car enthusiasts from using the area for unofficial car rallying".
He tabled a motion to the March meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.
"This is ongoing. It has been raised nationally with the Gardaí. I appreciate that it is being addressed," he said.
The scenic area was also recently hit with a large scale dumping incident.
Cllr Seamus McDonald seconded the motion and described the rally meetings as "scandalous".
"This has been raised this three times since Christmas at the Slieve Bloom Association meetings. This is a scenic area. It's scandalous behaviour. Rubbish is being dumped and roads are being torn up. It's not fair," he said.
Cllr James Kelly urged the car drivers to show respect.
"All we ask is if you meet, show respect in the area. There is none. There is intimidation of local people. The Gardaí went to Glendine to these gatherings but it's ongoing. The Gardaí can't be parked there all the time, they have limited resources.
"We are just sending the message, just have respect and don't cause mayhem and anti-social behaviour," he said.
Cllr John King described the meetings as "well planned".
"They are coming from 50 miles away to meet, these are well planned beforehand," he said.
In response, the council's area engineer confirmed that the Gardaí will be involved in a discussion.
"Laois County Council MD staff will meet with Cllr Bracken and An Garda Síochána to discuss measures to be installed to discourage anti-social behaviour at Glendine," engineer James Dowling stated.