Labour to protest student rent increases – Thursday at 11am
Labour to protest student rent increases - Thursday at 11am - The Labour Party
The Labour Party will convene a cross-party protest against increases in student rents this Thursday, 18th December at 11am outside Leinster House.
The protest will call for action on student housing as the long awaited student accommodation strategy has been delayed once again.
Speaking in advance of the action, Labour’s spokesperson on further and higher education Senator Laura Harmon said:
“As we approach Christmas, Minister Lawless still has not ruled out more frequent rent increases for student accommodation. This is unacceptable and the Labour Party will be joined on a cross-party basis with AMLÉ this Thursday to protest against any further attempt to hike up the cost of education in this country.
“Budget 2026 saw a €500 increase in student fees, despite so many families and students really struggling with the cost of living crisis. Speaking at the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education recently, the President of Munster Technology University said recently that housing is the biggest barrier to education in Ireland. Why is this Government so wed to doing the exact opposite of what is needed?
“The interests of the private sector have been put ahead of students and their families for far too long. We know that the dearth of affordable housing is crucifying families, pushing students further and further away from their education institutions and will continue to push people out of education.
‘’It is also unacceptable that the publication of the student accommodation strategy has been delayed again. This strategy is now a year overdue and we have no date for it in 2026.
“I’m inviting all parties to join with Labour and AMLÉ this Thursday at 11am to protest against any move to increase rents for students. Let’s send a clear message to the Minister that the focus on student housing should be on delivering options that are genuinely affordable and accessible.”