Students will become homeless if accommodation rent hikes go ahead, DCU students warn
Many students will become homeless if student accommodation rent hikes go ahead.
That is the warning from Dublin City University students who have been protesting outside the Dáil this afternoon.
The Shanowen Square development is putting prices up by 27% for the next academic year, meaning many students will have to pay €9,000.
Sending all support to #ShanowenShakedown outside Dáil Éireann today. This protest is bigger than one university. This is a national issue that allows the vulnerable to be exploited. Education is becoming unfordable. We need legislation pic.twitter.com/H5p4rTpHVW
— Niall Behan (@BehanNiall) April 17, 2018
USI President Michael Kerrigan says enormous price hikes are happening nationwide.
He said: "Up to €9,000 for a nine-month lease isn't just happening in DCU it is happening across the country and there is nothing being done about it.
"This is a demonstration to further highlight the stress that students and their parents are being put under."
DCU students are protesting outside the Dail after Shanowen announced 27% rent hikes for accommodation next year #ShanowenShakedown pic.twitter.com/1GJAaAHcse
— Stephen Murphy (@StephenMNews) April 17, 2018
Students from Dublin City University have been protesting outside the Dáil this afternoon against student accommodation rent hikes.
Shanowen have put prices up by 27% to €9,000 for the next academic year, which many students say they cannot afford.
They are calling on the Government to introduce rent caps for student accommodation to stop further increases.
Podge Henry Vice President for Welfare and Equality with DCU Students' Union says students are being cashed out of their education.
He said: "I know students who are working full-time jobs and trying to do a full-time degree as well, they are finding it stressful and difficult as it is paying this year's rent.
"Imagine what it is going to be like next year when they won't be able to afford to.
I know one student who is taking a year out so he can build up money to pay for his accommodation for his final year of college because he doesn't want the stress.
"That's not right, you can't have that for students. We are supposed to be the future of the country, yet we are being cashed out of our education."
DCU students will be protesting outside the Dáil dressed as cattle today, claiming the Government see them as nothing more than cash cows.
It is to highlight 27% rent hikes at the Shanowen student accommodation site near the university.
Students have already staged a sleepout and a petition against the proposed increases has amassed around 18,000 signatures.
They are calling on the Government to introduce legislation to protect students from unfair rent hikes.
