College presidents to meet with government on student housing crisis

College presidents across the country are due to meet with the government next week to discuss the student housing crisis.

Thousands of students across the country are struggling to find accommodation while studying, with some people having to live in hotels to attend their classes.

Aisling O’Mahony of Munster Technology University Cork Student President, USI President Clare Austick and Beth O’Reilly, Vice President of Campaigns, demonstrate outside Leinster House over student housing crisis

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien's Department to write to local authorities ordering them not to grant building permits to companies to change student accommodation for any other use — Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien’s Department to write to local authorities ordering them not to grant building permits to companies to change student accommodation for any other useCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Earlier this week, students staged a “no keys, no diplomas” protest outside the Dail where they camped to highlight the critical housing shortage across the country.

Officials from the Ministry of Higher Education will meet with college presidents across the country next week for crucial discussions to find a solution to the problem.

CRISIS MODE

The Directorate of Higher Education has already had discussions with the Directorate of Housing on the housing crisis.

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has agreed to issue a circular to all local authorities across the country ordering them not to grant building permits to companies to change student accommodation for another use.

This follows reports that developers have turned purpose-built private accommodation into short-stay rentals for tourists.

It is understood that the Ministry of Housing will order the local authorities not to allow any modification of student accommodation during the academic year.

Earlier this week, Dublin City University released a statement revealing that it had received “at least four requests for every bed available for accommodation on campus,” with every vacant room now occupied and a long waiting list in Classes.

DCU urged the government to build more student housing and stressed that many universities cannot afford the costs due to high construction prices.

Some colleges – including DCU – have made deals with hotels because of the lack of accommodation.