Courts / Limerick / Report

No bar on re-investigating allegations regarding former UL president, lawyers tell High Court

Date
2026-05-14

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

Lawyers for the University of Limerick (UL) have informed the High Court that there is no legal barrier to the university initiating a new investigation into former president Professor Kerstin Mey, who was previously alleged to have misled a Government finance committee. Prof Mey's legal team has argued that the allegation of misleading the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) cannot be revisited, as she has already been vindicated by a prior investigation and a settlement agreement has been reached. In response, UL's legal representatives stated that no absolute relief was granted to Prof Mey following the previous investigation and that the university is entitled to consider new evidence as it emerges. They also denied that the re-investigation is a pre-text for disciplinary action, insisting the university is acting in good faith. Prof Mey has applied for a High Court injunction to prevent the new investigation. She resigned as UL president in 2024 as part of the settlement agreement, following threats of disciplinary action over due diligence and adherence to policies during the purchase of a 20-house development in Rhebogue, Co Limerick. The university paid €12.5 million for the development, which was later valued at €6.5 million. Prof Mey's legal team has argued that the matter cannot be re-investigated due to the settlement agreement, while UL's legal representatives have stated that the settlement allows for the consideration of new evidence. The case is currently under review by the High Court, with the judge reserving her judgment on the matter.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: No bar on re-investigating allegations regarding former UL president, lawyers tell High Court. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When: