UL tenders for final phase of fire safety works at student village two years after blaze

The Cappavilla accommodation block on the north side of the UL campus houses nearly 500 student rooms across six, four and two-bedroom units. File photo: True Media

The University of Limerick has gone out to tender for the final phase of fire defect remediation works at a student village on campus that suffered a fire two years ago.

The Cappavilla accommodation block on the north side of the UL campus houses nearly 500 student rooms across six, four and two-bedroom units.

While damage was caused to buildings from the fire, the university said that the accommodation was safe to house students while remedial work took place. No injuries were reported in the fire.

In its most recent annual report, UL has stated refurbishment and upgrade works at Cappavilla Student Village would cost an estimated €11.14m.

The significant outlay for the university comes amid financial woes at UL arising from significant overpayments stretching into millions of euro from the acquisition of two sites. 

Significant failings in how these properties were purchased were later identified by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Last year, the fallout played a role as UL cancelled its application to build a multi-million euro veterinary school.

Its acting president Shane Kilcommins told staff that he had advised the Higher Education Authority that its application for funding was to be withdrawn due to the “significant estimated capital cost of the proposal, the current pause on capital expenditure, and the circumstances the university finds itself in”.

Cappavilla works

However, the university was told it could proceed with the remediation works at Cappavilla despite this capital expenditure pause.

In May 2024, the Sunday Independent reported that officials at the university feared having to shut the accommodation if the fire safety works were delayed.

While the complex was declared safe to house students, local fire officers had directed the college to undertake further remedial works on cladding outside the building, it reported.

In a statement, a spokesperson for UL confirmed that this fresh tender was for the fourth and final phase of remediation works at Cappavilla Student Village while the first phase was being implemented.

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“Following a fire safety review of Cappavilla Village in 2024 a number of recommendations were made to improve fire safeguarding at Cappavilla Village,” the spokesperson said. “This work has commenced and will continue until completion.

“The works are being carried out on a phased basis to minimise disruption to residents. The project is expected to complete in 2026.” 

The spokesperson added: “There is a robust fire safety management programme in all of the student residences and UL has the highest level of networked fire detection technology in all buildings on campus.”