THE PRESIDENT of a leading Irish university is under investigation for a series of expenses claims that have shocked students and drawn hostile coverage from the nation's media.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the Teachers' Union of Ireland show that Waterford Institute of Technology President Kieran Byrne - now under investigation by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) - spent €20,000 on office furnishings, €134,000 on fine art, €290,000 on hospitality and €100,000 on taxis to make the 2 hour, 100 mile trip between Dublin and Waterford. The total amount of expenses charged by Byrne is thought to exceed €3m.

Professor Byrne hit out at his critics yesterday, insisting that the expenses amounted to ‘good value for money’, telling the Irish Timesthat the taxi service he had used worked out cheaper than it would have had he billed for the mileage instead. 

However, enquiries made by The Student appear to disprove Byrne's claims. A leading Dublin taxi firm charges €347 for a one-way trip to Waterford, while the fuel for the same journey in a private car would amount to £21 and a train journey with Irish Rail would cost as little as €18.

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn yesterday confirmed that HEA chief exective Tim Boland will demand a full report on WIT expenses and launch an investigation. Sources say the Minister is “dismayed’’ by the spending.

The revelations come as the university's board meets appoint a new president. Prof Byrne has been nominated for another term by a selection committee, but Quinn has intervened to block the re-appointment until HEA's investigation has been completed.

Earlier this year, Byrne faced controversy when it was reported that  €157,000 was spent on refurbishing an office and boardroom even though the president’s accomodation is located in a new €24 million building.