The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is staging a sleepout protest in front of the Dáil today, in a bid to show the government that it “cannot overlook” the shortage of student accommodation any longer.
The union is calling for additional funding and planning for purpose-built student accommodation, legislation to retain student accommodation beds and the introduction of rent controls.
It has also said that no new course places should be given without living spaces provided.
Those sleeping out will stay at the Dáil gates on Kildare St until tomorrow morning.
Speaking to The University Times, USI President Clare Austick said the sleepout was a “reactionary response” to students’ difficulty finding accommodation for the year.
“There are still thousands of students across the island who do not have accommodation, who are looking at staying in hostels, in hotels, B&Bs or commuting back and forth for four hours each day just to avail of a third-level education. There’s many more couch surfing and some people who are thinking of deferring for the year or dropping out altogether.”
The accommodation shortage, Austick continued, “has been an issue for the last 10 years and the government hasn’t done anything about it”.
“We’re literally bringing the outrage and anger and frustration to the Dáil so the government cannot overlook this any further or just ‘keep a close eye on’ the accommodation situation.”
When asked about a report from the Dublin Inquirer about the renting of over 1,000 student beds to non-students, Austick said: “Accommodation that was set out for students specifically should be retained for students.”
“Students cannot be pushed down the ladder each time and forgotten and neglected”, she said.
