Rapid clean-up planned for 'destroyed' Laois Slieve Bloom public amenity

Laois County Council is preparing to clear up litter and survey damage done to a popular amenity in the Slieve Bloom Mountains this week.

The Catholes waterfall and swimming area, once a water reservoir and now a busy visitor spot for swimming, yoga and even sauna activity, was damaged earlier this week.

Cars spinning around have torn up the lawn area, and litter was left strewn, according to local residents who are "devastated" at the disrespect shown to the amenity, which they said left it "destroyed".

An official for Laois County Council spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"We will survey the area this Saturday, and try and tidy it up. We will see what the issues are, and have a look at the bigger picture, to try and prevent this happening in the future.

"We have done drainage work on the lane to the Catholes. We will see about making a parking area. It's a lovely waterfall, it is disappointing. We will see how we can enhance and grow the amenity, and help anyone in the area. We don't want activities to be upsetting them or causing problems," the official said.

The Catholes Falls Amenity Area was awarded a grant of €50,000 last January under Clár funding, to upgrade it and enhance biodiversity.