Speaking at the meeting, Town Clerk Dan Rooney described the latest development as "disturbing".

"We have two playgrounds in The Mall, and we have two public liability claims in relation to those," said Mr Rooney.

"I know that heretofore that was why a lot of playgrounds disappeared. I am not sure on the details in relation to those (claims), but I would worry that it could mean the ruination of playgrounds. It's disturbing," said Mr Rooney.

Cllr Tony Flaherty said it was very sad to see the claims being lodged. He noted that there were a lot of claims when the complex was built first.

He agreed that it could be detrimental to the future of the playgrounds, with some possibly closing down as a result.

"If one wins, there could be a free-for-all," he said. "I would hope that we would contest these claims all the way to the end. We lay down 15 years ago and it cost us millions," he added.

Cllr Michael Connellan said it was "concerning", and noted that there were four claims in total over a three month period in relation to the playgrounds. "I would hope that the CCTV coverage in The Mall would assist the case, be it on either side," he said.

Cllr Mae Sexton said that during her previous stint on the Co Council, the local authority "took a very strategic approach against huge, huge claims that were coming in".

She said that Irish Public Bodies were instructed that all claims were contested. "I know that the drop in premiums were massive. It was hugely successful," said Cllr Sexton.