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Hundreds of students who gathered at a street party in Limerick are now facing suspension, and even possibly expulsion, from the university due to their “deplorable behavior”.
The University of Limerick is conducting an investigation into the large gathering at the off-campus College Court estate in Castletroy Tuesday night.
Limerick health workers, government ministers and locals have condemned the chaotic scenes that unfolded.
More than 50 fines have been issued for non-compliance with public health guidelines and two youths arrested after the incident must appear in court.
A man, in his 20s, is scheduled to appear in Limerick District Court today, while another man, also in his 20s, is due to appear in court on March 22.
A third arrested man was released without charge but received a fine.
Representatives from UL met with Gardaí yesterday morning and a joint investigation into the matter is underway.
“The university is conducting an investigation to identify the UL students who participated in the meeting, which represents a serious violation of both public health restrictions and the institutional code of conduct,” said a spokesperson.
“UL students are bound by a code of conduct. Any student who has attended the meeting will face suspension, pending a full investigation, or possible expulsion. “
UL has already sanctioned several students since January who have been officially reported, investigated, and discovered to have violated UL’s code of conduct related to the current Covid-19 environment.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee warned yesterday that the country will not be able to reopen as planned if incidents such as the party in Limerick continue.
Frontline workers have also condemned the action of these students. A Limerick nurse described the student parties that have taken place near the esteemed campus as “out of control.”
The nurse, who lives in the vicinity of UL, requested that Limerick City Council install 24-hour Garda patrols, as well as closed-circuit television, after the disturbing scenes Tuesday night, in which Flares and fireworks exploded near cars, houses and groups of reveler students.
“It is shocking now, they have broken glass in the houses, there was a fire in a house, there are holes in the walls of the houses, basically the houses are being flogged,” said the nurse, who did not want to be identified.
The eastern area of Limerick City currently has the sixth worst Covid infection rate in the country.
Castletroy business owners said they are concerned that the careless actions of this small minority will jeopardize any reopening.
A short drive from UL, The Hurlers Bar, a popular bar with students and other patrons, has seen business decimated under the closure.
Owner Anthony O’Dwyer said he is “disappointed” by the actions of those who violated health guidelines in the area that he says could lead to an increase in cases locally and prolong the closure of his pub.
Meanwhile, NUI Galway students who violated public health guidelines were asked to write a 2,000 word ‘thoughtful’ essay.
Sanctions have been imposed on a small number of students who have failed to comply with the university’s code of conduct during the pandemic.
Some have been asked to pay fines to the student hardship fund, which provides financial support to struggling students, while others had to write apologies to staff affected by violations.
Students were also asked to write reflective essays about their actions.
A NUI Galway spokesperson said: “NUI Galway currently has a student community of almost 19,000.
“The vast majority of our students have adhered to public health guidelines, conscious of keeping themselves, their families and the community in general safe since the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
“The university can confirm that it has imposed sanctions under the student code of conduct on several students in connection with violations of public health guidelines.”
In Cork, resident associations admitted they are terrified of a fourth increase in Covid-19 cases as a direct result of student parties in multi-occupancy houses with the weather improving.
The Magazine Road and Surrounding Areas Residents Association (MRSARA) has warned that they are terrified that last summer’s Covid-19 series of house parties will be repeated in their area of Cork City.
Members of the resident group last summer made history with the first prosecution against a private landlord for failing to control his tenants.
Last September, they revealed that their community endured 221 house parties within a 1km radius over 13 weeks during the Covid-19 shutdown.
MRSARA President Catherine Clancy said there is a direct link between those street parties and spikes in Covid-19 cases.
“Last summer we witnessed hundreds of young people who came here and rented these (houses) and did not comply with the regulations,” he said.
Irish independent
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