Controls 'overridden' to allow approval of UL housing purchase

The University of Limerick housing purchase was €5.3m above market value. Picture: Dan Linehan

Controls put in place at the University of Limerick to prevent a repeat of an ill-fated transaction which cost the institution millions were “overridden” in order for the purchase of 20 houses to be approved.

The Public Accounts Committee heard that the controversial €11.4m purchase of those houses for student accommodation was presented to the college in such a way as to create the “strong possibility” the deal would be approved.