The Minister for Housing, James Browne, has condemned extensive vandalism at a vacant house in Castletroy, Limerick, describing the incident as “appalling” while cautioning against blaming students and young people collectively.
The damage occurred at a property in College Court during the early hours of yesterday morning. Gardaí are investigating the incident after responding to reports of a large gathering at the house shortly before 1am.
Browne said the incident needed to be dealt with seriously but stressed that it should not be used to unfairly criticise young people or students as a group.
He said the situation appeared to be “one specific situation that seems to have gotten out of hand” and emphasised that most students and young people were responsible tenants who supported efforts to improve housing standards and strengthen renters’ rights.
“I don’t have the full details of what went on here as shown in the social content, but I know it will have to be addressed seriously,” he said.
The comments come as the University of Limerick has issued a warning to students following reports of significant damage to the property, making clear that anti-social behaviour would not be tolerated.
In an email circulated on the morning following the incident, UL interim Provost Professor Ann Ledwith said she was “very concerned” about the reports and described the alleged conduct as unacceptable.
Although the identities of those involved have not yet been established, the university said the behaviour would be unacceptable from any member of its community. It has not been confirmed that any of those involved were UL students.
Professor Ledwith reminded students that they were expected to represent the university positively, both on campus and in the wider community, and to respect residents living in the surrounding area.
She also highlighted the requirement for students to comply with the UL Student Code of Conduct, adding that complaints involving individuals were taken seriously and that established procedures were available to address alleged breaches.
The university said property damage and public disorder could have a significant impact on relations between students and local residents.
Gardaí have confirmed that a technical examination of the College Court property has been completed. When officers arrived at the scene following the initial report, the house was empty but had sustained substantial damage.
Investigators are also examining videos shared on social media that appear to show furniture being thrown from an upstairs window. One clip shows a crowd of people cheering as a mattress is tossed from the house.
Local Aontú councillor Sarah Beasley said she was disgusted by the footage, describing the actions shown as “wanton, mindless vandalism”.
She said the incident was particularly upsetting given the number of people struggling to secure accommodation.
“I could only think of the many, many people who are desperate for a home, a roof over their heads when I saw this appalling video. Can you imagine how they felt when these saw this group on a rampage?” she said.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the College Court area or nearby residential streets between midnight and 2am to provide information that could assist their inquiries.
Anyone with relevant camera recordings or dashcam footage is also being asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station.
Meanwhile, UL Student Life president Eva McCormack has encouraged anyone who was present at College Court on the night, and who may have information relevant to the investigation, to come forward.
In a message to students, she urged anyone who might be able to help to contact the university’s community gardaí.
McCormack acknowledged that the incident had caused anxiety, concern and frustration among students, particularly given the estate’s proximity to the university campus.
She said there was widespread shock and disappointment at allegations of criminal damage or anti-social behaviour involving students, but stressed that such conduct should not be taken as representative of the wider student population.
The investigation remains ongoing, and gardaí are continuing to seek information to establish who was involved in the incident.
