University of Limerick warns students after vacant College Court house is damaged

The University of Limerick warned students on Thursday, 8 October, that antisocial behaviour would not be tolerated after extensive damage to a vacant house in College Court, Castletroy. Gardaí are investigating the incident, which happened early on Wednesday near the university. It has not been established that those involved were UL students.

In an email to students reported by RTÉ, interim Provost Professor Ann Ledwith said she was very concerned about the incident. She described the behaviour as ‘simply unacceptable from any member of our community’, while saying the identities of those involved had yet to be established. Her warning addressed the effect such conduct can have on people living near the university; it did not identify a person responsible for the damage.

What happened at the College Court house

Gardaí were alerted to a large gathering at a home in College Court shortly before 1am on Wednesday, according to RTÉ. Nobody was inside when officers arrived, and the property had sustained significant damage. The Irish Examiner reported that the house was understood to be vacant. Both reports place the incident in the early hours of 7 October.

The Irish Examiner described damage visible in videos shared online, including holes in walls and damage to part of a ceiling. It reported footage showing two young men throwing furniture through a window and breaking glass. RTÉ said Gardaí were reviewing videos of furniture being thrown from an upstairs window. One clip circulating on social media showed a mattress being thrown out while dozens of people cheered, RTÉ reported.

Garda investigation and appeal for footage

A Garda spokesperson told the Irish Examiner that a technical examination of the scene had been conducted and that investigations were ongoing. RTÉ also reported that Gardaí had carried out a technical examination. Neither report gives a cost for the damage or a timetable for the investigation. The available accounts do not report any arrests or charges.

Gardaí have appealed to anyone who was in College Court or the surrounding residential streets between midnight and 2am to come forward, RTÉ reported. They have also asked people with camera or dashcam footage from the area to contact Henry Street Garda Station. The appeal concerns a specific period around the reported gathering and the discovery of damage at the house.

What the University of Limerick has said

Ledwith reminded students that they must follow the UL Student Code of Conduct and respect the local community, according to RTÉ. She said complaints concerning individuals are treated seriously and that procedures are in place to address alleged breaches. The university also said students should act as its ambassadors on and off campus and consider how their behaviour reflects on the wider community.

A UL spokesperson told the Irish Examiner that the university promotes responsible behaviour and takes antisocial conduct seriously. The spokesperson said complaints involving students are investigated under its code of conduct. UL also said the vast majority of students make a positive contribution to the local community, according to the Irish Examiner. Its response therefore sets out how it handles allegations involving students without establishing that students took part in this incident.

The university said property damage and public disorder are serious concerns that can harm relationships between students and local residents, RTÉ reported. That concern explains the warning to students even as Gardaí continue their separate investigation. For residents of College Court and nearby streets, the immediate confirmed development is the damage to a vacant property and the request for witnesses and recordings from the early hours of Wednesday.

The central question of who caused the damage remains open. RTÉ reported that those involved had not been identified and that no connection to UL students had been established. Gardaí are continuing their investigation; UL has described the conduct it expects from students and the process it uses for complaints. Any finding about an individual’s involvement would require evidence beyond the reports available so far.