An Focal Official Paper of the University of Limerick Students’ Union
President’s house causes controversy 9th February 2010 Tuesday
Volume XVIII, Issue 9 FREE
By Aisling Hussey
THE development of a “lavish” President’s house has recently come under attack by Minister Batt O’ Keefe. Speaking on Morning AM, Minister O’ Keefe said he will be asking for a report on the construction of the building, which is near completion. The University of Limerick has been accused of spending €2million on the three-storey house for the UL head. The University maintains that the building was funded by private and philanthropic donations and that taxpayer’s money was not used to fund the development. Labour TD, Jan O’ Sullivan, has defended the University’s decision to go ahead with construction of a new building. “When the building was planned the economy was in much better shape, so it probably wasn’t possible to withdraw from it when times got tougher. A decision was made when money wasn’t as difficult to come by.” Students’ Union Welfare Officer Derek Daly added that “the project was under construction before the current financial crisis began.” The Students’ Union has also hit back at the Minister’s claims, saying that they are “more worried about the increase in the Student Services charge.” Students’ Union President, Ruán Dillon McLoughlin believes that taxpaper’s money would be “far better spent and invested in
education”, rather than on a report about the President’s building. He also defended construction of the President’s new residence, saying that the funds raised were earmarked for the project. Furthermore, he thinks the building will become an integral part of the university. “It is part of the long term strategic plan for the University that will see it become a world class University in terms of infrastructure.” The building is located on the north of the campus, near Cappavilla student village. In addition to providing accommodation for President Don Barry, the residence will be used for hosting distinguished visitors of the University. It will also serve as a venue for public and private events. It was designed by renowned architect and member of Aosdána, Shelley McNamara, of Grafton Architects. President Don Barry is due to move into the building sometime next month. The office of the President has responded to the controversy stating that the University has a history of funding projects through donations. “The University of Limerick has a long tradition of securing private sector funding to develop campus infrastructure and to support scholarships, laboratories and world-class researchers and teachers, having raised over €130 million from private sources.”
A artist’s impression of how the house will look
Students’ Union plans to abolish CRO By Chloe Slattery
THE Students’ Union General Meeting will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, February 10 in the Jean Monnet Theatre from 2pm. Several motions will be brought by the Students’ Union, the majority of which are concerned with amending the ULSU Constitution. One of the main motions being brought forward is to move the dates of the Sabbatical Elections which are due to take place in Week 9 of the current Spring/Summer semester
to Week 10 so that they will not clash with this year’s Charity Week. Another motion which will be brought before the house will be to abolish the Non-Sabbatical position of Community Relations Officer (CRO) and incorporate it into the role of Campaigns and Services Officer (CSO). The primary role of the CRO is to work and communicate with local residents. It is also the duty of the CRO to sit on local residents committees, the Executive and the Community Forum in order
to maintain a strong link and communication between the University and the local residents. The Students’ Union feels that this is a demanding role and that it should be done by somebody on a full-time basis. Complaints from local residents often fall on the desk of the Students’ Union President or CSO as the CRO is not available at that time. If this proposition passes it will only be effective from the next academic year. The Students’ Union is also hoping to create a new Non-
Sabbatical position, the Fundraising Officer. This person will be in charge of Charity Week and the Raising and Giving charities. Paddy Rockett was elected as Fundraising Officer at the most recent meeting of Class Reps Council, but the position is not currently a Non-Sabbatical position. All students of the University of Limerick are both invited and entitled to attend the UGM and to vote on the motions being brought to the General Meeting.