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University of Limerick criticised for 'lavish' new house for president Don Barry
THE University of Limerick is coming under intense criticism from a number of political parties for building a "lavish" and "extravagant" residence for its president during a time of economic crisis.
The UL president, Prof Don Barry, is due to move into his new home next month, which was built at a cost €1.1 million and funded by philanthropic donations.
Prof Barry will become the first UL president to be housed on campus, and only the second in the country, after Trinity College Dublin.
In Limerick this Friday, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said: "I think it sends out a particular kind of message, in looking actively for funding of this nature at a time of economic hardship for so many people, it doesn't send out the right message. But that money is tied as I understand it. In any event, the Minister should call in the board and discuss the background to this and where their priorities should lie."
Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe is to order a report into the construction of the luxury residence, describing the three-storey five-bedroom as lavish in the current economic circumstances.
The university, which has debts of about €3 million has stressed that no taxpayers' money is being spent on the residence. It has also said the house will be used as a venue for public events and accommodation for visitors to the campus.
"Obviously at a time of stringent financial constraints one would always ask people in authority to exercise restraint. It sounds lavish," said Minister O'Keeffe.
However, the students' union at the university said they are more concerned about increases in the student service charge, rather than the cost of the building. Their president Run Dillon McLoughlin said public money spent on a report into the house believes "would be far better spent and invested into education."
He said the house "is part of the long term strategic plan for the University that will help see the it become a world-class university in terms of infrastructure."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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