In a recent email to Student’s Union leadership, Linda Doyle stated there is “no plan to increase rent for 2025/2026”. This communication is made following the direct action of the campaigns committee last week. On Friday, February 28th, Students’ Union President Jenny Maguire and another SU member spray painted ‘FREEZE RENT’ on the campanile banner in the front square.
The demonstration was organised in response to a meeting between the union and Doyle that took place on February 25th, where Maguire claimed “the possibility of a rent freeze was ignored”. The union threatened to escalate their opposition to “the highest level” if their demand for a rent freeze was not met by this Friday.
Recent communication made by Doyle to the union indicates that there are no plans for a rent increase next year and that there never were. In email correspondence seen by The University Times, Doyle claims that there were never any plans to increase rent but that she could not take a firm position on the matter in meetings with the SU as there are parties other than herself who would be involved in such a decision.
Since their meeting on the 25th, Doyle claims she has been working on this and that “there was no plan – or proposed plan – to increase rent for 2025/2026” nor will there be one in the future. This decision must be formalised by the Finance Committee, but as it stands, rent prices will remain the same for the upcoming year.
Doyle also made it clear to Union leadership that they remain supportive of peaceful protest but that the defacement of the construction by students “cannot be condoned and is wrong. When we next meet as a group I would like to discuss this with you all.”
The union has responded to the rent announcement, drawing attention to over 200 students and staff members who joined the direct action campaign for a rent freeze after graffiti was put on the campanile construction.
