Minister acknowledges University of Limerick's controversies have impacted students

Speaking to the graduates, the Limerick TD said: 'One thing that has never been in doubt is the academic reputation and the quality of the graduates produced from this university.'

Mon, 26 Aug, 2024 - 14:59

Michelle McGlynn, Political Reporter

The controversies that have plagued the University of Limerick (UL) in recent times has undoubtedly impacted students, Patrick O'Donovan has said.

The Minister of Further and Higher Education was delivering the commencement speech at the university on Monday when he spoke of the "extremely difficult period in its history". However, Mr O'Donovan said that he believes UL will emerge from this chapter in a much stronger position.

Mr O'Donovan assured that steps have already been taken to address the issues that led to controversies including the university overpaying by at least €3m for the old Dunnes Stores building in Limerick city centre in 2019.

Earlier this year, the university confirmed that the institution had lost €5.3m in overpaying for the acquisition of 20 houses at an estate in Rhebogue, 3km from its main campus, in August 2022.

UL Chancellor Professor, Brigid Laffan, and Provost and Deputy President, Professor Shane Kilcommins have achieved a great deal and are committed to the work, Mr O'Donovan said in his address.

"I know that everybody here joins me in their appreciation for the massive amount of work that you have already done," Mr O'Donovan said to a round of applause.

Governance and proper accountability for public finances are serious issues, Mr O'Donovan said, adding that it is important that the department, the Higher Education Authority, and the university work together to take the necessary steps to build a stronger future for UL based on good governance.

The minister said the government's commitment to UL is absolute and the determination to support the institution going forward is unquestioned.

"We will emerge from this period stronger, united and more ambitious than ever to deliver not only for a city, or a county, or a region, but for the entire country," said Mr O'Donovan.

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Speaking to the graduates, the Limerick TD said: "While this has been going on, one thing that has never been in doubt is the academic reputation and the quality of the graduates produced from this university."

He urged those leaving UL to go out into the world with a spirit of community and to fight against those who seek to "undermine what we have achieved as a republic".

Mr O'Donovan said people cannot be complacent and must not allow the things that Ireland stands for to be destroyed by a wave of "populism, hate, nastiness and lies".

The progress and diversity achieved in Ireland in recent decades is something to be celebrated rather than "being attacked by those who seek to use our national flag as a banner for them to rally around in campaigns of hate," he said.

"It is people like you, your generation, the next generation of leaders in Ireland that must stop and defeat this sort of mentality," said Mr O'Donovan.

'Sadness and anger' at damage housing controversy 'has done to UL’s reputation'