University of Limerick triumph in judicial review against water charges on student residences

UNIVERSITY of Limerick (UL) and Plassey Trust Company Limited, responsible for managing on-campus accommodation, celebrate the outcome of a judicial review opposing the decision by Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) to impose water charges on student residences at UL.

Uisce Éireann had proposed reclassifying water services to UL's student accommodation as "non-domestic," potentially resulting in increased costs for students. This reclassification would have led to the introduction of water charges, compounding utility bills that already include gas and electricity within rental fees.

Professor Kerstin Mey, president of UL expressed reluctance in pursuing legal action, stating: "We reluctantly sought a judicial review of an attempt by Uisce Éireann to reclassify our student accommodation leading to further and higher living costs on our students."

Professor Mey highlighted the university's initial preference for resolving the matter through internal complaints rather than legal avenues.

"We are now very pleased that Ms. Justice Bolger has found that the supply of water by Uisce Éireann to UL’s student accommodation, during the academic year, is the provision of water services to a 'dwelling' and that UÉ is not entitled to charge for this supply," the president added.

"We are already facing a student accommodation crisis in Ireland, which will likely persist for a number of years yet, and the advent of new utility costs on our students in their places of residence on campus is something we couldn't countenance on their behalf," Professor Mey stated.

This legal action garnered support from UL Student Life, the university's student union body, and its president, Ronan Cahill.

Mr Cahill expressed gratitude for the successful outcome, stating: "Not only is it completely unfair, but we are also in the height of a cost-of-living crisis." He acknowledged the challenges students face in meeting rent and bills and appreciated the university's advocacy on behalf of the student body.

The on-campus accommodation at UL, consisting of 466 apartments and terraced houses, provides individual private bedrooms with access to shared kitchen and living areas.

Professor Mey criticised Uisce Éireann's attempt to reclassify student accommodation, deeming it inconsistent with the National Student Accommodation Strategy's objective to support purpose-built student housing.