LIMERICK City and County Council received strong criticism for the speed at which it removed parklets from outside businesses in the city centre.
Speaking at this Monday’s Metropolitan District meeting, Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan called for an update on the removal of parklets and plans for outdoor dining for the businesses impacted by their removal, following headlines in recent days from local business owners hitting out at the local authority for removing the crucial amenities.
Cllr O’Donovan told the Council executive that she was “shocked” since the discussion of the matter at last month’s district meeting that many parklets have already been removed.
“We’ve seen a lot of media statements that businesses were communicated with, but from speaking to them, I don’t think they were,” Cllr O’Donovan claimed.
“Businesses want a commitment that something will be put in place. These are businesses that really rely on these parklets.”
The City West representative hailed the parklets as a “really positive thing in the city centre”, helping businesses struggling for their survival.
Seconding Cllr O’Donovan’s motion, party colleague Cllr Shane Hickey-O’Mara took the view that the removal of the parklets had come with a “human impact”.
He deemed the community spaces – first installed in 2020 as a Covid-measure to support businesses – as being vitally important and raised genuine fears that some small businesses might now struggle to stay afloat as a direct result of their removal.
“I think it’s very interesting that there are businesses that had theirs removed, and there are businesses where they haven’t been removed. Some of those businesses are on specific lobby groups, let’s be honest,” Cllr Hickey-O’Mara claimed.
Independent councillor Ursula Gavan also said she was shocked by the speed at which parklets had been removed since last month’s discussion.
“They were a massive addition to the city. At weekends, they were just social outlets for people that don’t have access to back gardens or balconies,” she said.
Fine Gael councillor Peter Doyle supported the idea of a provision in Budget 2026 to maintain and support parklets.
“I’m pro business in the city and we should do everything we can to support the city centre,” Cllr Doyle commented.
Independent councillor Maria Donoghue felt it important that parklets either be upgraded or replaced, taking the view that it was the communication around the removal that has upset people the most.
Cllr Dan McSweeney urged the Council executive to ponder the insurance implications going forward as some parklets, he maintained, were “extremely unstable”.
“It is about partnership and a collaborative approach, and I’m all for that. But people cannot be relying on the local authority to do everything. I ask you to ponder the insurance issues and maybe the licencing issues for public housing,” Cllr McSweeney said.
“We had an issue in a public space where residents were rightfully complaining about noise pollution.”
He also called the Council to be conscious of mobility and parklets causing an obstruction for wheelchair users.
In response to councillors, Director of Services Kieran Lehane said “the temporary parklets were installed five years ago as a temporary measure to assist with the local economy’s recovery during and post Covid lockdowns.”
“All temporary parklets were located within the public realm,” he explained, rather than on any business’ private property.
“The temporary structures were intended to last for one year, but the Council allowed them to remain for an extended period.
“In response to requests from local businesses, the Council has received submissions from the public and elected members about their deteriorating condition, adverse visual appearance, their use for outdoor smoking areas with attendant associated litter and, more recently, anti-social behaviour.
“It became clear that the timbers in the support structures were failing in these parklets and were slippery under foot, thereby posing a risk to public safety.”
The Council said that alternative solutions are now being prepared.
