ANOTHER FINE MESS AT THE COLLEGE

THE current controversy is just one of a number that have rocked the University of Limerick in recent years. Among them are:

INFLATED PRICE OF STUDENT HOUSES

UL bought 20 properties in Rhebogue, just over 2km from the main UL campus, last year from a private developer for more than €11m, which equates to around €550,000 per unit.

However, a review of the purchase has revealed that the market valued the houses at €6.2m or €312,000 apiece.

A PAC APPEARANCE LEADS TO EXECUTIVE TURMOIL

A disastrous appearance at the PAC in May last year caused ructions at the highest level of UL, with the resignation of an executive followed by a U-turn just hours later.

College president Professor Mey acknowledged that criticism of her performance was ‘completely fair.’

FAILURE TO APPOINT A CHANCELLOR

FORMER Tánaiste Mary Harney’s term as chancellor of the university ended last year, however for the first time in UL history the governing authority failed to appoint a successor.

Professor Brigid Laffan was later elected from outside the governing authority.

DUNNES STORE SITE IN LIMERICK CITY

IN 2019 UL purchased the former Dunnes Stores building in Limerick city. The university paid €8.3m for the site despite it being valued at just €3m two years earlier.

UL GOES HOUSE-HUNTING IN DUBLIN

THE Irish Mail on Sunday revealed in 2019 that UL pulled out of buying a period property worth more than €5m in Ranelagh in Dublin 6, after paying a deposit which it later got back. Sources said at the time that then-chancellor Mary Harney, left, urged the university not to buy the building.