A HETAC COLLEGE in Limerick has announced it is closing its door after 60 years in business.

HSI Limerick Business School says it has ceased trading as of today and provisions are being arranged for all students at the college.

According to the college, management had been working to avert a closure, but will now be calling a creditor meeting in the coming weeks to appoint a liquidator. Staff were informed it was ceasing trading today.

In a statement, the HSI says it is working with Griffith College in Limerick to accommodate continuing students as well as those who applied to enter this year. It is also working with Griffith to secure alternative positions for HSI staff.

The college says it has been seriously effected by the economic slowdown and that its business was heavily impacted by the introduction of new immigration regulations for non-European Economic Area students. It says the new rules took a toll on the level of overseas students applying for its courses. The new rules, which took effect on 1 January 2011, mean that students from non-EEA countries cannot travel to Ireland for part-time or distance learning courses.

The college has set up a helpline for students on 061 310031 and 061 317822, open from 9am to 9pm.