University Volume 23 | Freshers Edition | August 2019
Express UCCExpress.ie
Efforts Made To Alleviate Student Accommodation Crisis writes Samantha Calthrop, News Editor The latest progress report of the National Student Accommodation Strategy (NSAS) has been released, including reports on the creation of 7000 new bed spaces and a new 4% annual cap to minimize rent increases, similar to the already established, Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs). The NSAS is the official government strategy for creating more student accommodation, following a growing shortage in Dublin and other Universities. Established in 2017, the plan aims to have about 20,000 student beds by 2024 in Ireland, having constructed 7000 so far. In comparison, UCC’s on-campus accommodation consists of about 6000 beds altogether. The introduction of rent increase caps is long-anticipated, with the lack of regulation of rent where student accommodation is concerned being a contentious issue with students. Some Dublin private accommodation facilities increased their rent by up to 25% last year, and UCC’s on-campus accommodation increased in cost by 11.5% for the 2019/2020 year, just before the introduction of the 4% increase cap, which will come into effect from August onwards. “I welcome the continued increase in availability of student accommodation,” said Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Minister for Higher Education. “The National Student Accommodation strategy was designed to increase supply and to assist in moderating rental
costs for students. As the figures show the strategy is working and we are on track to exceed the target set at the outset.” The additional space and rent increase caps are welcome news, especially in Dublin and other rent pressure areas like Cork City, where the rising cost and dropping availability of student accommodation has been a pressing issue. A large amount of accommodation is already booked before the release of the CAO results, making it particularly difficult for first-year students to secure accommodation. Steps have been made to include student accommodation in Rent Pressure Zone regulation and tenant protection law. At the moment, accusations have been made of student accommodation being exploitative, with less legal
protection for student tenants than other renters. The NSAS has been criticised by student activists and Students’ Unions, who have argued that the focus has been on creating “luxury” student accommodations, which are profit-focused and are aimed at wealthier international students rather than lower-income Irish students. The Rally for Affordable Housing, a protest held between UCC and CIT, focused on the high prices of Amnis House, a student housing complex on Western Road costing over €200 per week. UCCSU president Ben Dunlea has called for cheaper prices and more government intervention in rent control, saying, “[Companies] know students have few options other than to pay”. “Students don’t want luxury
accommodation, and accommodation being built is overpriced and not sustainable for them or their families to afford,” said Aoife Duff of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). “What comes up time and again is the need for affordable, secure accommodation.” The project also rolled out €14,000 in tax relief for homeowners renting out rooms as “digs”, which students have been urged to take up as a cheap alternative to student housing. However, the USI and student unions have warned against digs, which provide no tenant rights or legal protection to renting students. Tenant’s rights workshops are available from the UCCSU, and the University is available to help with housing disputes and queries.
Cost Of UCC Accommodation Soars
That Trasition
President’s Message
Sporting Success for UCC
Page 3 News
Page 6 Features
Page 9 Byline
Page 16 Sport