IRELAND — The president of Aontas na Mac Léinn, the national representative body for third-level students, has warned that the cost of college is becoming the "single greatest barrier to higher education in Ireland," with an affordability crisis gripping the sector.
Daniel Walsh, speaking on RTÉ's Saturday with Cormac Ó hEadhra, said rental costs were a primary driver of the crisis:
"We know that students all across the country are battling extortionate rents alongside a spiralling cost of living. Rents in Dublin are some of the most expensive in Europe and our students all across the country are struggling every year to find affordable accommodation."
He highlighted new student accommodation opened last month in Galway with basic rooms starting at €300 per week — far beyond the reach of ordinary students.
"That's not affordable for anyone, that's not sustainable."
The Student Contribution Charge
Walsh also targeted the €2,500 student contribution charge, one of the highest in Europe. While the Programme for Government committed to reducing and potentially abolishing the fee, last year's Budget effectively restored it to €2,500 from the €2,000 Covid-era rate.
The Human Cost
Walsh described a grim reality for many students:
"We talk a lot about college and it being the best years of your life but for so many students all across the country college is just something that you have to survive."
Some students are passing exams and completing degrees while going to lectures hungry or commuting long distances. The crisis is particularly acute in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick, where rental pressures are highest.
Government Response
Minister of State Marian Harkin defended the sector's record, noting Ireland has the highest rate of 25-34 year olds with higher education qualifications in Europe — over six in ten. She said over a quarter of a million students attend third-level annually, with over 400,000 in further education and training.
Harkin described the €2,500 charge as a permanent reduction of €500 and pointed to the €19 million Student Assistance Fund, which supported over 22,000 students with rent and food this academic year.