University of Limerick president extends sick leave

UNIVERSITY of Limerick (UL) president, Professor Kerstin Mey has extended her period of sick leave this Wednesday, Limerick Live has learned.

It is understood her period of absence will be extended by a further four weeks.

Deputy president of UL, Shane Kilcommins will continue to deputise for Professor Mey while she is away.

Professor Mey went on sick leave, it is understood, on Wednesday, March 28. There was mounting pressure on her to resign at the time. 

Professor Mey has been asked to consider her position by a number of groups, including members of the college's executive committee, after it emerged the institution lost €5.2m after paying inflated prices for 20 homes in Rhebogue last year.

Limerick Live contacted the university about Professor Mey extending her leave. A UL spokesperson said they “have no comment to make on any individual’s situation”.

READ MORE: Limerick university bosses will not appear before Public Accounts Committee this week

Meanwhile, executive staff at University of Limerick will not be giving evidence to the Public Accounts Committee this week.

College bosses were slated to appear before the powerful Oireachtas committee this Thursday, April 11, after news emerged that there had been a €5m overspend on accommodation for post-graduate students at Rhebogue.

But a spokesperson for the Oireachtas confirmed to Limerick Live that this will not take place as planned in the wake of college president Kerstin Mey going on sick leave.

Professor Mey has declared herself "incapacitated" for the PAC sitting this Thursday. She had, however, indicated that she would be willing to attend at some point this college term.