The keys were handed over by building contractors John Craddock Ltd to Limerick City Council this week, but a seven-day safety audit needs to take place before Mayor John Gilligan cuts the ribbon to officially open the €300,000 structure at 10am on Friday, July 18.

The skate park is at the Steamboat Quay in the shadow of the city's landmark Clarion Hotel.

Tom Shortt, chairman of the Limerick Skate Park Action Group (LSPAG), has requested that skateboarders co-operate with the council "for just one more week".

"The insurance is set to be in place by next Friday. We have been campaigning for a skate park for more than five years, and what I am saying to everyone is they just have one more week to wait until the council have completed its safety audit."

Although the group has, in the past, criticised Limerick City Council's environment department for its sluggish response to the need for a skate park, he said that, since the commitment to an opening date for the facilityrk, his group had worked closely with the local authority.

"We are not at odds with the council. We are working closely with them. They are putting the finishing touches to the skate park, and I would ask young skateboarders to co-operate with the council for just one final week. Do not end up in conflict with people working on the site, and just be patient," he said.

The completion of the skate park – which was designed by Nicholas De Jong Associates, who specialise in urban design – marks the end of a campaign by LSPAG, which has staged protest marches to highlight the need for the facility in the city.

Funds from the Department for Heritage, Environment and Local Government were allocated to its building in November 2005, but the project was beset by delays.