Outdoor parklets from Covid era to be removed from some areas in Limerick
SOME OUTDOOR dining parklets and build-outs could be removed, a senior council official has said.
Kieran Lehane, local authority’s manager in the metropolitan district said the council is currently carrying out an audit of the outdoor dining options in the city centre.
Parklets and build-outs were introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic when restrictions meant that dining or drinking inside restaurants, bars and cafes was not always possible due to the need to maintain social distancing.
But with restrictions long-since relaxed, councillors have pointed out that some of these have now become disused.
One member, Cllr Dan McSweeney described the condition of one parklet as “minging with dirt”.
It was City East councillor Sarah Kiely who saw a resolution passed that a review be taken to determine the “necessity and current use” of parklets.
“The majority of them are in excellent condition and are being used as intended - they add to their surroundings. That isn't the case unfortunately with some. Some are dirty, overgrown and not used,” she told the May meeting of the full council.
Councillor Daniel Butler said one businessperson in the city - who he declined to identify - is using their parklet to store their bins and other furniture, significantly impeding access for the disabled.
He made the point that the parklets and build-outs do not belong to businesses, but the council since they are in public spaces.
Mr Lehane praised Cllr Kiely for her “very timely and appropriate” motion.
He pointed out that any business owner is required to have a licence - available for free - to have tables and chairs outside their properties.