New carpark opens for Laois tourist attraction in Slieve Bloom mountains
Years of parking chaos at a top Laois visitor spot may be be over, with the opening of a long awaited new carpark.
Glenbarrow Falls carpark has been built by Laois Council Council, tripling the amount of car parking spaces from 35 to 95 spaces.
The impressive waterfall and woodland walk just outside Rosenallis village brings hundreds of visitors on warm days, but many park along the narrow road, blocking access for residents or emergency vehicles.
This September 1, Laois County Council has announced that their new carpark is completed and open.
"Laois County Council is delighted to announce the provision of significant, additional car parking at the Glenbarrow Falls Car Park in the Slieve Blooms. An additional 60 car parking spaces have been provided, immediately adjacent to the existing 35 spaces.
The Director of Services responsible for roads is Simon Walton.
The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Paschal McEvoy, welcomed the development.
"The additional car parking was funded under the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Fund. Developments such as this serve to illustrate that, with adequate levels of support funding, Laois County Council can ensure that County Laois is a destination of choice for outdoor activities and adventure tourism.
"I am very pleased to see this development and I urge the Council to continue the delivery of Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure such that we increase and support the number of people active in the outdoors and generate consequential economic opportunities for local businesses," he said.
Cathaoirleach of the Mountmellick Borris in Ossory Municipal District Cllr John King also attended the opening.
"Glenbarrow Falls is one of a number of very popular stopping points in the Slieve Blooms and the provision of this additional parking will serve to support enhanced accessibility and visitor experiences in the Slieve Blooms. I welcome and acknowlegde the support of the local community for this development.
"The additional car parking compliments a growing recognition that people are looking for outdoor experiences and activities, connecting with local, natural assets and there are few, more attractive, natural assets than at Glenbarrow Falls," he said.