Students’ union in Limerick calls on Government to reverse proposed increase in fees

THE Technological University of the Shannon Students’ Union (TUS SU) has launched a landmark report entitled “No Room For Learning: Accommodation and Cost of Living Report”, warning that the Government’s proposed student fee increase will devastate already struggling students and further entrench inequality in higher education.

Based on a survey of over 14% of the full-time student population across all TUS campuses, the report paints a stark picture of the student experience in Ireland’s Midwest and Midlands. Students report skipping meals, working excessive hours, sleeping in overcrowded or precarious accommodation, and being pushed to the brink by rising rents and soaring living costs.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Gearóid Folan, Deputy President of TUS Students’ Union, said; “Students are being priced out of their futures. The Government’s decision to increase fees — while rent continues to climb and cost-of-living supports disappear — will push hundreds of students out of higher education. It’s shameful, it’s short-sighted, and it’s unforgivable.”

Key findings from the No Room For Learning report showed 67.3% of students work part-time to afford their education, 90.2% of students report feeling frustrated when trying to find accommodation, 88.5% say working negatively impacts their studies, 71.9% of students in Digs report not having a contract, and 71% of TUS students say they do not believe this Government cares about students.

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Folan added; “This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about students choosing between food or rent, education or survival. We’re seeing potential and talent being lost, simply because the cost of staying in college is too high.”

To coincide with the report launch, TUS SU will host a photo call on Wednesday, July 9 at 9:00 AM outside Leinster House on Kildare Street. This will be followed by a formal presentation in the Dáil AV Room at 10:00 AM, including a Q&A session with TUS SU officers, representatives from AMLÉ (Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn), and current TUS students.

All Oireachtas members are invited to attend.

TUS SU is calling on the Government to reverse the proposed fee hike, expand SUSI and cost-of-living supports, commit to building affordable student accommodation, commit to establishing a TU borrowing framework, and begin a roadmap to the full abolition of student fees.

“Education is a right, not a luxury,” Folan concluded. “There is no room for learning when there’s no room to live. It’s time the Government acted like students matter.”