Slieve Bloom mountain trails closed to walkers for Laois Forestry Rally
Laois Forestry Rally is taking place on Sunday, October 4
A high speed car rally in the Slieve Bloom mountains is causing the temporary closure of hiking trails.
The new Laois Forestry Rally will take place next Sunday, October 4.
Notices have been placed around the mountain for walkers, warning them that the trails will be closed all day, with no entry for walkers.
There are nine trails closed for the day across both Laois and Offaly routes in the mountains.
They are: the Glenbarrow Eco Walk, Glenbarrow Old Mill Loop, Glenbarrow Waterfall Loop, Slieve Bloom Way from Glenbarrow to Monicknew, Slieve Bloom Way from Glenbarrow to Clonaslee, Slieve Bloom Way Clonaslee to Cadamstown, Cadamstown to Giants Grave Loop, The Lost Village, and the Glendineoregan Loop in Clonaslee.
“Local signage will be posted in advance of the event and on the day on the affected trails. Laois Forestry Rally is being organised by Laois Rallysport Club who will be providing marshals on the relevant forest trails, so please follow the marshals’ instructions.
“We ask that you do not enter a trail in that area on the day and ensure to look out for signage to state the rally is ongoing. Please obey any marshals you encounter as they are there for your safety.
“The Trail will be closed from 7am to 7pm on the 4th October. For more information, email: [email protected],” say the organisers.
They also post a warning that the event may be dangerous.
“Warning, motor sport can be dangerous. Despite the organisers taking all reasonable precautions, unavoidable accidents can happen. In respect of these, you are present at your own risk,”.
The IDS Laser Laois Forestry Rally is organised by Laois Rally Sport Club, a Motorsport Ireland affiliated motor club, based in Portlaoise.
Entry to compete in the rally costs from €670 to €850, with late entries still accepted. Programmes for the day are on sale in filling stations in Clonaslee and Mountrath and in Portlaoise Plaza.
The rally was officially launched recently by Laois County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.
Those attending included Brendan Dowling, Chairman, Laois Rally Sport Club, Caitlin Furlong – J1000 Competitor, Pat O’Connor Clerk of the Course, Ger Buckley Competitor and Coillte Representative and Trevor Brennan Engineering Manager, IDS Laser.