The new Student Centre at the University of Limerick (UL) was officially opened this Friday morning by Minister for Further and Higher Education, James Lawless TD.
The launch of the new centre was attended by Mayor of Limerick John Moran, Kieran O’Donnell TD, Conor Sheehan TD, Senators Maria Byrne and Dee Ryan, UL founding president Dr Ed Walsh along with past presidents of the UL Student Union, alumni, staff and students.
The “striking” €34m facility, designed by and for students, was inaugurated by the minister this Friday, October 10 in the landmark new student centre.
UL students voted to co-fund the centre in 2016 via a phased levy. Nearly 80% of the cost was student funded.
Features of the building include a rooftop garden with landscaped views; a 173-seat auditorium with retractable seating; a games room with pool tables, gaming consoles, and an interactive multi-ball wall; a giant multimedia wall for movies and live sports; and dedicated radio, multimedia and podcast studios.
Opening the new centre, Minister Lawless said: “The new Student Centre at the University of Limerick is a great example of what can be achieved when students lead with vision and purpose.
“It’s a thoughtful investment in student life, shaped by the voices and values of the UL community. Congratulations to everyone who played a part in bringing this project to life, it will make a real difference for students today and in the years ahead.”
Minister Lawless referenced the recent Budget in his speech, saying that he “was pleased to be able to reduce the student contribution fee permanently by €500 this year and every year going forward”.
He continued: “I appreciate it’s not the same quantum as the temporary reductions of recent years, but it is permanent, and it is there to stay.”
Speaking to the Limerick Voice at today’s event, founding president of UL, Dr Ed Walsh, described the building as “stunning, absolutely stunning”.
He added that this centre “represents the heart of the university,” explaining that “here, students can conspire together, complaining about the current generation and the mess they’re making of the world, and conspire to make it better”.
“That’s the heart of the university,” he continued, “lectures and so on are just the reason for being around, but when students are interacting on campus, they’re planning their own futures but they’re also planning a future for this island.”
Speaking at the event, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, congratulated all involved parties on the success of the new centre.
He told the Limerick Voice that he feels the UL student body is “so much an integral part of Limerick now,” adding that a goal of his is to have more purpose-built student accommodation in key areas: “It is top of the list.”
“It’s not the right answer for the city to have students in family houses, sharing with people they don’t know,” Mayor Moran said, emphasising that he mentions the need for more student accommodation in Limerick “whenever there’s a minister in the room”.
Professor Shane Kilcommins, acting UL president, commented: “This landmark project demonstrates UL’s commitment to providing top-class facilities that enrich the student experience.
“It will serve generations to come and stands as a lasting testament to the vision of our students.”
Síofra Foley, UL Student Life president, added: “This centre is the result of years of collaboration and determination, and it’s finally here. It’s an amazing space built for our students, a place to relax, meet new people, and create memories. We are proud to deliver a facility that reflects the needs and energy of our student community.”
A spokesperson for the university said: “The Student Centre was made possible through the ‘Leave a Legacy’ initiative, in which UL students voted to co-fund the project via a phased levy beginning in 2017.
“Nearly 80% of the cost was student funded, underscoring the strong sense of ownership and partnership behind the development.”
Located between the Stables complex and the Glucksman Library, the purpose-built, four-storey, 3,529m² building is now “the vibrant heart” of student life on campus.
Created through extensive consultation with UL students, the building offers flexible spaces for events, student media, governance, socialising, and clubs and societies.
The UL spokesperson added: “The University of Limerick is internationally recognised for its innovation, student-centred learning environment, and state-of-the-art facilities. The new Student Centre reinforces UL’s reputation as a destination campus where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.”