Limerick council denies city park gates close early after visitors complain of being locked in
A mother was stuck with her children inside People's Park in Limerick.
People in Limerick have been complaining after finding themselves locked into the city's People's Park.
On Tuesday, several people found themselves locked inside the public park, as the park keeper had locked the gates.
On another occasion, a woman was left to climb over the gates with her children, as no one was around to open the gates.
It has been claimed there is a lack of consistency around the times the gates are shut, but the local authority has denied this.
In a response to a query sent by the , a spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council said: "The bell is rung 20 minutes before closing to alert people that the park will be closing soon. The closing times are stated on signs at the entrances.
"There are five gates to close and the two main gates are the last to be closed."
When asked if the park wardens sometimes finish early, the spokesperson replied: "No, the park warden finishes when the park closes."
The council also reminded people a phone number for emergencies was available on the signs at the entrances of People's Park.
"The park closes at night as there is no adequate lighting in the park or any of the parks. Parks open daily at 8am. Closing times vary throughout the year depending on daylight hours," the spokesperson added.
The closing hours of People's Park change depending on the season, with gates closing earlier during the winter months.
In March, the closing time is at 6pm while in April, it closes at 7pm.
In May, the gates remain open until 8pm. In June, July and August, the park closes at 9pm.
