A Laois County Councillor has said he is 'disgusted' following the installation of a barrier at the Ridge of Capard.

This barrier leaves a portion of the trail 'impassable', and a recent memorial erected at the site 'inaccessible', according to the Councillor.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Seamus McDonald has called for Laois County Council to contact Parks and Wildlife to remove this barrier immediately. 

The Cllr has said that there was 'no discussion' with the community on the installation of this barrier. 

"This barrier should not have been erected at all,," Cllr McDonald said.

Pictured: Members of the Slieve Bloom Mountains Association, at the May plaque unveiling; Derek Fanning, Daniel McDonald, Johnny Rigney, Christy Conroy, Kathleen Cullition and Danny Lynch.

"The Slieve Bloom Mountains Association cannot believe it, a barrier was put right across a walkway where three plaques were erected in memory of three people who founded the Slieve Bloom Association 50 years ago," he said.

"There were also two ramps erected there five weeks ago on a Sunday, to represent two more people. A week later, this barrier was erected, meaning that people can't go up to the memorial.

"That part of the ridge has the view and the plaques, I think it's a scandalous thing that Parks and Wildlife have done, it didn't make sense at all. I am disgusted over it really. The sooner this is done the better," Cllr McDonald argued.

This motion was seconded by fellow Fianna Fáil Cllr Paddy Bracken, and was supported by Independent Cllr James Kelly.

Senior District Engineer with Laois County Council, Mr Rory O'Callaghan, replied that Laois County Council will make contact with the National Parks & Wildlife Service.

Cllr McDonald welcomed this response.

"There was no discussion or dialogue with any local people or any associations," he said.

Cllr Kelly agreed that this issue should be dealt with immediately.

"It's a matter of urgency, especially with the recent installation of two more plaques. People are going up there," he said.

Cllr McDonald explained that the area is now 'inaccessible'.

"You cant walk up there any more. People have no clue why the barrier was erected, there has been no history of anti social behaviour up there, so I have no idea why this barrier would be installed."

This motion was tabled at the June sitting of Laois County Council's Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District.

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