Concerns raised over crushing risk at Leitrim playground gate


Leitrim County Council are to address safety issue at a Manorhamilton playground after concerns were raised about a gate posing a potential finger injury risk to children.
Concerns have been raised about the risk of injury at a playground in North Leitrim during a meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District.
Cllr Eddie Mitchell told the meeting that the gate at Fair Green playground beside the Castle in Manorhamilton is opening too widely, creating a risk of someone losing their finger.
“Entry into and exit from the playground are controlled by a well-designed and appropriate steel gate. While there is ample room for small fingers around the edges of the gate, a crushing risk has been identified where the gate opens out beyond its intended use,” stated Cllr Mitchell’s motion.
“The steel gate can fold up against a steel post in a way that puts a child's fingers at risk. I would appreciate it if some minor works could be carried out to address this risk.”
It was confirmed that the playground was visited and inspected by Council staff, and that a rubber stopper will be fitted on the gate to resolve the issue.
