TOP brass at University of Limerick (UL) warned students if they are found in breach of the UL Student Code of Conduct they will face “disciplinary action”.
It follows at number of incidents during RAG Week (‘Raising and Giving’), also known as Charity Week, which ran from Feb 22 to 26, including one incident in which students were observed drinking and dancing on the roof of a property at Elm Park in Castletroy.
Similar incidents involving UL students in the College Court area in previous years led to fears that someone could be seriously injured or killed.
In previous years, criminal damage was caused to houses and vehicles in off-campus student accommodation in residential areas of Castletroy. Fireworks and flares have been set off from gardens and roofs.
In an email sent to all students, UL’s interim provost and deputy president, Professor Ann Ledwith, warned that students who breach the UL Student Code of Conduct will face “disciplinary action”.
Prof Ledwith cited management’s “concerns” that “a number of off-campus incidents during charity week had a significant and negative impact on the local community”.
“These neighbourhoods are home to families, older residents, and working people, and they deserve to feel safe and respected in their own homes,” the UL deputy president added.
“Excessive noise, large gatherings, and disruptive behaviour place strain on residents and damage the trust that UL has worked hard to build.
“We are asking all students to consider how their actions affect the people around them.”
Prof Ledwith reminded the university’s students to abide by the university’s Student Code of Conduct, which she highlighted applies to students living in off-campus accommodation as well as on campus.
“Failure to comply with reasonable requests from UL officers, including producing your student ID when asked, may result in disciplinary action,” she warned.
“These expectations are in place to protect student safety and to support a respectful community environment,” she said.
“We ask students to avoid hosting large gatherings that create significant disruption for local residents and can lead to overcrowding and unsafe conditions that put themselves or others at risk.
“There is no place, or excuse, for any kind of anti-social behaviour in our community. Please bear this in mind ahead of other upcoming events.”
Professor Ledwith also highlighted that “harm‑reduction information” was available “to help students make safer choices, particularly during busy social periods”, including support services for “substance use and gambling”.
“I appreciate the many students who consistently act with consideration and respect. We ask everyone to help ensure that our community remains a safe and welcoming place for all,” she concluded.
Local Fine Gael councillor Peter Doyle said he was aware of an incident involving students partying on a roof at Elm Park however, he commended UL for its ongoing efforts of engagement with students and local communities to try to prevent negative incidents.
“I would remind students in these off-campus areas that their neighbours are often elderly residents and to respect their neighbours and act in a responsible way,” said Cllr Doyle.
“Although, I have to say, the reports following RAG Week this year have not been as negative as they have in previous years, so I’d like to recognise that too.”
When asked for comment, UL said it was aware of a number of “off-campus behaviour that have caused concern” and that it takes complaints and potential breaches of the Student Code of Conduct “very seriously”.
The University said it has a community liaison officer who facilitates dialogue “between residents, the off-campus student body, landlords, and relevant stakeholders” and liaises with Gardaí where necessary.
UL said that it “facilitated extra Garda patrols” during the RAG Week in an effort to maintain order in off-campus accommodation areas.