SETU Waterford Protests Highlight Deteriorating Campus Conditions

Staff at South East Technological University’s (SETU) Waterford campuses staged a protest on Thursday, February 26, 2026, citing unsafe, deteriorating, and “no longer acceptable” working and learning conditions. The action, organized by the SETU Waterford Branch of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), took place at entrances to the Cork Road and College Street campuses, though student services were not disrupted.

Years of Neglect and Underfunding

The TUI asserts the protest stems from the University’s failure to implement an agreed-upon staff accommodation plan and deliver essential maintenance to older buildings, despite what the union describes as “constructive engagement” over a prolonged period. Members report years of underfunding and delayed repairs, leading to widespread issues impacting the campus environment.

Specific Concerns Raised by Staff

The union has detailed a range of problems affecting teaching spaces, offices, laboratories, and common areas, including:

• Uncleared gutters causing water ingress, particularly in art studios.
• Persistent damp and visible mould growth in multiple areas.
• Severe black mould in photography darkrooms with inadequate ventilation.
• Mould spreading around door frames and up internal walls.
• Bracket fungus emerging from behind internal door frames.
• Cracked windows and rotting window frames compromising safety.
• Active leaks in classrooms and corridors, requiring the use of buckets to collect water.
• Water-damaged ceiling tiles falling from ceilings.
• Deteriorated outdoor furniture and discarded building materials.
• Restrictive, slow, and outdated IT infrastructure in classrooms and labs.
• Unreliable WiFi access in parts of campus following a cyber incident.
• Difficulty regulating temperature in buildings, with extreme temperature variations. One office was recorded at 5°C during working hours.
• Outdated and uncomfortable furniture in offices and classrooms.
• Fixed seating layouts hindering modern, interactive teaching methods.
• Limited informal space for students between classes.
• Lack of catering services after 4 PM.
• Dirty, ripped, and worn carpets in staff offices.
• Excessive sun glare due to absent or broken blinds.

Union officers warn these conditions pose risks including mould-related illness, respiratory issues, poor air quality, structural damage, and increased workplace stress. They state concerns have been repeatedly raised without meaningful progress.

SETU’s Response and Capital Development Programme

In a statement issued on February 25, 2026, SETU acknowledged the challenges posed by ageing infrastructure and highlighted an “ambitious and strategically aligned” capital development programme. Key projects include:

• A 13,000 m² Engineering, Computing and General Teaching Building on the Cork Road campus, scheduled for completion in 2028.
• Approval and design operate for the retrofit of the second floor of the Engineering and Science Building.
• A Government-funded 2,000 m² Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine facility at the Glassworks site.
• A 1,000 m² Veterinary Medicine education facility at Kildalton.
• Approval for the 10,000 m² One Health Building at the Glassworks site to progress to the next development stage.

The University affirmed its commitment to ongoing engagement with staff and unions, as well as continued maintenance and improvement of existing facilities. WLRFM reported on this statement.

TUI Response to Capital Commitments

The SETU Waterford TUI Branch welcomed the capital commitments but stressed that these developments do not address the immediate condition of older buildings or the outdated IT infrastructure. The union emphasized that staff and students will continue to work in these spaces for years and is calling for a clear maintenance plan, defined timelines, and visible progress on repairs to ensure safe and functional working conditions.

As reported by WLRFM, the protest underscores the urgent require for both long-term investment and immediate attention to the deteriorating state of facilities at SETU Waterford.