College in Dublin 'prohibitively expensive' for many locals, says Offaly TD

The cost of accommodation and third-level fees is making college in Dublin "prohibitively expensive" for many local students and families, according to local TD Carol Nolan.

Deputy Nolan, a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Higher Education, said the latest data on third level costs meant that for many prospective students it was impossible to even consider attending any of the colleges in the capital.

She was speaking after Technological University (TU) Dublin released its annual cost of living guide which included calculations of rent costs currently being faced by students:

"It is disheartening to see the massive costs that students from Offaly and Laois are facing, especially if they want to attend a Dublin-based college or university," said the Independent TD.

"As I understand it, from the report published by TU, it is being estimated that students moving to Dublin will incur costs of €1,539 a month. That amounts to a staggering €13,827 for the full academic year.

"I am aware that some of this is inclusive of the €3,000 fees that may be covered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), but that still leaves many students and indeed their families facing enormous and unsustainable costs, particularly in light of the cap on student earnings."

She raised this issue last year with the Steering Group Review on the SUSI scheme and "strongly urged them to re-evaluate the cap of €4,500 before deductions and eligibility criteria kick in."

However, she said she had not received confirmation of any positive changes in relation to this issue.

"The fact of the matter is this; many families will not be able to afford the escalating costs, which are largely rent-based, and that in turn will generate an educational crisis for thousands of rural-based students in particular.

"Government must work to immediately deliver genuinely affordable third level accommodation.

"As it is, a lot of private digs are simply not available this year as parents who may have had free rooms are now faced with the return of their own adult children who are unable to find anywhere to live," concluded Deputy Nolan.