‘UL can help boost growth’ in region

University of Limerick (UL) needs to improve its world ranking if it the region is to realise its potential economically, its incoming president has said.

In his first address as president-elect of UL, Desmond Fitzgerald told the May business lunch of Limerick Civic Trust a key objective of the university was attracting international students because investment in the region would follow, adding that it had to also think of itself as a national, rather than a regional, university.

“UL is undoubtedly a regional powerhouse, having a big impact on the economy,” said Prof Fitzgerald. “In many ways its considered a regional university but it needs to have an ambition that it will be able to attract students from all over the country. It can do that.”