PICTURES: Slieve Bloom amenity spot damaged by car driving 'fools'
The Catholes is a favourite spot for sauna, yoga and cold water dips
A Slieve Bloom amenity area has been "devastated" by joyriding drivers, locals report.
The well kept lawn at the popular Cathole Falls swimming spot has been ripped up this week by cars performing doughnut turns.
Litter has also been strewn, according to local residents who spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
The Catholes near Rosenallis and Mountmellick, was once a Laois County Council water reservoir, and has become a widely popular destination since the Covid pandemic lockdowns.
It got the recent addition of a mobile sauna, coffee truck and outdoor yoga adding to its appeal for swimmers braving the icy fresh mountain pools, as well as families and picknickers on sunny days.
However it is also attracting groups of young revellers letting off steam.
Earlier this week on Tuesday night May 21, two ambulances attended the Catholes where a large group of young people were having a noisy party.
The churning up of the lawn at The Catholes.
"Take away bags are strewn everywhere as well. Locals are devastated. It's heartbreaking. They share their local amenities with the public, for some mindless fools to just destroy it. It's so disrespectful," a local woman said.
A comment has been requested of Laois County Council.