UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK

University of Limerick (UL) capex programme including a research institute and several research buildings.

The purpose of the project is to construct and refurbish teaching, research and supporting facilities of the University of Limerick. The project will include construction of a new research institute, clinical education buildings, research facilities for pharmaceutical science, biomedical materials and engineering. The project will also include also the expansion of the university’s central library. The aim is to increase the quality of teaching, learning and academic research at the university by updating the facilities. The ultimate beneficiaries are the students and staff of the university as well as the eventual employers of the graduates and the wider society in Ireland. The new buildings are designed to meet high energy efficiency standards.

Universities and research institutions are not specifically mentioned in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive on Environmental Impact Assessment. An EIA is therefore not required in accordance with the EIA Directive 2011/92/EU. However, parts of the investment cover the construction of new facilities and therefore may be covered by Annex II of the Directive in relation to urban development. The Bank’s services will verify during appraisal whether an EIA is required for any component of the project. Potential impacts on Natura 2000 conservation sites as well as operating procedures and systems related to animal testing, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), biosafety hazards and wastes management will also be checked.

The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project have been/shall be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation (Dir. 2004/18/EEC/ or 2004/17/EEC and Dir. 2007/66/EC), with publication of tender notices in the EU Official Journal, as and where appropriate.