This afternoon Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) President Jenny Maguire and a second union member spraypainted the words “Freeze Rent” on the Campanaile banner.
The group issued a statement: “Amid an unprecedented housing crisis, Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union/Aontas Mac Léinn Choláiste na Tríonóide have been met with pushback in our fight to safeguard student welfare.”
The action was organised by the campaigns committee of TCDSU. The statement goes on to read: “In a recent meeting between TCDSU/AMLCT leadership and Provost Linda Doyle, the possibility of a rent freeze was ignored. The expected rent increases in August will further burden struggling students and diminish the livelihoods of students who are already paying exorbitant rents.”
“College authorities must commit to a rent freeze for the academic year 2025/26. If this pledge is not made by next Friday TCDSU/AMLCT will be left with no choice but to escalate our opposition to the highest level.”
In spray paint Maguire signed the construction with a smaller “TCDSU/AMLCT”.
The proposed rent increase has not yet been brought to the Finance Committee of College, according to Maguire.
College has been contacted for comment.
