University of Limerick ‘exploring all avenues’ for bed spaces

A SENIOR figure at University of Limerick (UL) says the college is “exploring all avenues” to increase the accommodation stock for new students.

As has been the case for the last few years, students are expected to face a scramble for a limited amount of places to live as they begin to arrive from September.

As a consequence of this, UL Provost Professor Shane Kilcommins says college bosses are seeking to buy or lease new accommodation capable of housing up to 750 students. 

It is working on two separate plans aimed at boosting student housing in the next three years, and has put out an expression of interest for developers.

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“The notice [expression of interest] is an effort by UL to assess the market for potential developments close to our campus that may already be underway or well into the planning so that we could add to the housing stock in a timely and cost efficient manner. It is an open call with no specific sites in mind,” Prof Kilcommins said.

Should suitable development options be identified, the college will seek multiple ways to fund it, including through government grants.

“We know that available housing for students is a very serious and primary concern of both potential students and their parents as they come towards the end of their second level education and consider their third level options.

"We are determined to explore all options to increase the available accommodation options for students both on and off campus in order to protect the student experience as much as possible,” he concluded.