Tipperary TD Michael Lowry is calling on the Government to build suitable and affordable dedicated student accommodation to house students throughout their years in College. The TD says models exist for either dormitory-style spaces where students can live safely, avail of College catering facilities and have a space where they can study and rest or self-catering units where students can cater to their own needs.
The TD wants the State to financially support Colleges with the provision of such accommodation and for plans to deliver purpose built student accommodation to be fast tracked.
Deputy Lowry says ‘The student accommodation problem is growing every year placing undue stress on students and placing endless worry and financial strain on families.” The Thurles based TD noted that the situation is at crisis level this year with students struggling to secure even the most basic place to live to attend college. The Housing crisis is impacting on all sectors with students struggling to find any accommodation, paying exorbitant rent, resorting to living in cars or vans, commuting long distances or possibly giving up on their college place.
