Laois mountain bike surge causes ‘numerous’ Slieve Blooms emergency call-outs

Action is needed around the Slieve Bloom Mountains to warn mountain bike riders to take precautions on the bike trail due to the lack of phone coverage, a public representative has warned.

Cllr James Kelly, Independent, made the appeal in a call to Laois County Council to play its part due to the a rise in accidents requiring an emergency response.

Cllr Kelly tabled a motion at a meeting with officials calling on the local authority to provide on-site information along the Slieve Bloom Cycle Way to alert cyclists that when using the various tracks provided, in the event of an accident or emergency, they may or will be out of mobile phone coverage.

The trail was developed by Coillte with the support of Laois and Offaly councils. Cllr Kelly told the meeting that while the cycle trail was welcome success in attracting new visitors to Laois, the rise in demand for emergency help due to biking accidents requires a response.

“The emergency services have been called up there on numerous occasions,” he said.

He outlined a recent incident recounted to him by a friend where a lone cyclist had fallen from his bike and broken a collarbone. 

Cllr Kelly's big concern was phone coverage which he warned can be poor in the mountains. He believed access to a  phone in an emergency is vital so people should be warned about the coverage. He suggested signs to advise people to be prepared.

“If you are on your own and it is an evening time you might be in big bother,” he said.

He said it is ‘very important’ to cover all safety issues. District Chairman, Cllr Paddy Bracken agreed saying it is a very important issue.

Paul McLoughlin, Senior Engineer in the Roads Department replied in writing.

"Laois County Council will work will Coillte to advise Mountain Bike Trail users of this message," he said.

The issue was raised at the May meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.

Coillte says the route uses multiple sections of forest roads and crosses many walking trails. They warn bikers to expect to encounter vehicles and other forest users at any time. They also say the trail is exposed on the upper slopes and can be very windy in poor weather.

The State company asks people to ensure there mountain bikes are in good working order and that they have an appropriate level of fitness and skill level to undertake the trails. it also advised riders to be appropriately dressed and wear a helmet at all times.

While consideration for other forest users and control of speed is advised, there is no reference to phone coverage in the event of emergency on its website.

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Coillte says the trails are developed in partnership with Offaly and Laois County Councils and are funded by the Dept of Rural and Community Development, with additional funding support from Fáilte Ireland.