University of Limerick accepts resignation of executive who led €5.2m overspend
Bosses in Castletroy had appeared before Public Accounts Committee over Rhebogue transaction
UNIVERSITY of Limerick (UL) chancellor Prof Brigid Laffan has confirmed the college has accepted the resignation of an official who led a €5.2m overspend on properties.
In an email to the college community, Prof Laffan stated Andrew Flaherty, UL's chief commerical officer had tendered his resignation.
This came into effect on Tuesday, May 27.
"The University has accepted that resignation. The chief commercial officer has also resigned from all directorships and offices associated with or connected to the university," the chancellor added in the email.
The college has declined to comment further, while the executive's profile had been removed from the college's website as of this Wednesday.
Prior to this, he had more than 20 years experience working for firms such as Generali, Utmost Pan Europe, GE, Aer Lingus, Chill, Genworth and Esat Digifone.
Mr Flaherty led UL's €12.65m purchase of 20 homes in Rhebogue which was criticised by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) and the Dail's public spending watchdog.
The C&AG said UL overspent €5.2m on the homes.
The houses remain the subject of a planning row between the university and council because there is no permission to house students in the properties. An Bord Pleanála is currently deliberating on the matter.
Mr Flaherty was placed on administrative leave last June after the then UL president Kerstin Mey resigned after students and staff expressed no confidence in her leadership.
She is no longer president, with that role still to be filled. Prof Shane Kilcommins is carrying out the role of president on an acting basis.