Sinn Féin TD for Kerry, Pa Daly, has invited students across Kerry to share their experiences of the student accommodation crisis in the party’s online survey.
The survey is an opportunity for students and apprentices to share their stories about how the housing crisis is impacting on their studies and wider college experience.
It comes amid growing concerns among students about whether there will be sufficient suitable accommodation as the new academic term begins.
Teachta Daly said that Sinn Féin has launched its survey to hear students’ experiences of the college accommodation crisis.
A True Sense of the Crisis
“We want to hear from students in Kerry about how the crisis is affecting you personally. Make your voice heard and take part in our survey, so that we can tell the real story of how this crisis is affecting people across the state,” he said.
“I am being contacted everyday by huge numbers of students and families in Kerry who are worried sick about how they will secure suitable college accommodation in time.
“Many are concerned they will have to make long, exhausting and expensive commutes to college because they can find nothing nearby.
Stress and Hassle of Housing
“Students should be able to focus on their studies, not face the added stress and hassle of navigating the housing crisis.
“Students are having to pay for hotel accommodation at two to three times the rate of student accommodation, and some students are facing with having to face long daily commutes.
“This is largely unaffordable due to the cost of fuel and public transportation and some students are considering dropping out of college for this year. This sets a dangerous precedent for the future, where third level education is accessible only to those with means. “
Hurtling Headlong into Crisis
“For months, Sinn Féin has been warning Minister Simon Harris that we are hurtling headlong into an accommodation crisis for students.
“Despite this, the government failed to act and students and their families are now paying the price. This has to stop.
Students in Kerry deserve better and they need to see this sorted as an urgent priority.
“Sinn Féin have set out the solutions time and time again for many years now. We need urgent capital investment to enable Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to progress shovel-ready building projects and provide affordable accommodation.
Projects Put on Hold
“On-campus building projects had to be put on hold because it is not economically viable for HEIs to deliver them and offer them at an affordable rate without government financial intervention. From my consultations with HEIs, I estimate that between 3,000 and 6,000 beds are at advanced stages and could be progressed immediately as co-funded accommodation projects. Student affordability would obviously be a condition of such funding.
“We need to fully examine the use of rapid build construction units in the here and now as students need immediate action.
Rent-a-Room Tax Relief
“The Minister must also initiate a national awareness campaign on the rent-a-room tax relief to encourage homeowners to participate.
“The solutions are there, if the government is willing to act.
“Sinn Féin will stand up for students in Kerry and across Ireland to ensure that this housing crisis is tackled. Make your voice heard in our survey,” said Teachta Daly.
Students can access and participate in the poll with a click on the link here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StudentHousingCrisis
You can contact The Maine Valley Post on… Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.
