A COUNCIL health and safety inspection this May of temporary parklets erected during the pandemic in the city found many to be in poor condition and an elevated risk to the public.
Director of the Metropolitan District, Kieran Lehane, told councillors that once the parklets were identified for removal, it became clear that the supports, surface and wall connections were deteriorating, and a decision was taken to remove them all by the end of 2025 in the interest of safety.
Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan asked for a summary of the inspections, which took place on May 13, and the issues reported on each parklet. She was informed by Mr Lehane that the inspection was a visual inspection only.
According to Limerick City and County Council’s findings, parklets at a number of city centre premises were in declining condition and not maintained, with slippery and dirty surfaces containing green and black mould. Planting was also not maintained on a number of city parklets, with inspectors citing collapse of planting shelves in places and rotting in others.
Inspectors also stated that some parklets had cigarette butts on the ground and planting shelves. In other cases, litter and drug paraphernalia had been left inside the walls. One parklet saw evidence of recent damage through a potential vehicular contact, with the flooring on many presenting an elevated risk to public safety.
At the time of this issue being raised with councillors, only three city parklets were still in place.