USI CALLS FOR ACCOMMODATION PROTECTIONS FOR STUDENTS IN RESPONSE TO COVID

Sophie Finn

ON August 25th, the Union of Students Ireland (USI) called on Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the government to introduce six emergency provisions in order to protect student renters.

The call aims to protect student renters in the case of a second Covid-19 outbreak. Lorna Fitzpatrick, the President of USI, explained that the current campaign is due to the fact many students were left in difficult situations last year as they were paying for accommodation no longer in use, or in some cases were evicted without notice. The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased lack of security for student renters. During lockdown, many students were left paying rent on accommodation they could no longer live in, and now with the move to blended learning and increasingly restrictive public health guidelines in Dublin, students are wary of signing leases.

On Twitter, Minister O’Brien stated that he “strengthened protections” for student renters while in opposition and intends to continue this work. A meeting between Minister O’Brien and Fitzpatrick is due to occur on Tuesday the 22nd of September, and so far no increased protections have been announced. Eoin Ó Broin TD, Sinn Fein’s Housing Spokesperson, also suggested a meeting was needed to draft an opposition bill to support these protections.

The USI was vocal about the issue of accommodation throughout the pandemic. In March, with the support of student unions nationwide, the USI called on providers of large-scale student accommodation to refund the rent paid for housing that could not be used due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In anticipation of the publication of further health measures, on September 18th the USI issued a further call for urgent action to protect student renters. Fitzpatrick said that the Government must act “immediately” to support and protect student renters, to avoid “what happened in March where students were left hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of euro out of pocket due to deposits and prepaid rent not being returned”.

She outlined that the start times of student leases and contracts must be adjusted to reflect the delay to on-campus learning, stressing the importance of institutions and accommodation providers to allow “flexible” provisions for students. Fitzpatrick stated that standard agreements are not good enough “as this is not a standard year”.

UCDSU has attempted to provide flexible accommodation support in light of Covid-19. The union has engaged in offers with several hotels in Dublin, including Travelodge Rathmines, the Lansdowne Hotel, and the Clayton Hotel.

James Joyce Library Reopens With Restrictions Se N Dempsey

THE James Joyce Library has announced it is reopening for the new trimester alongside announcing its plans to ensure safety for staff and students. The initial phase will reopen the library to all students from 8:30-20:00, Monday to Friday, from the 21st of September 2020. The email sent to all students on the 18th of september stated that “libraries and study areas will be available to students”.

The James Joyce Library plays a central role at UCD, acting as both an academic and social hub. After closing in March, library staff have worked closely with Estate Services to develop a reopening plan. The Covid-19 pandemic has presented difficulties to reopening UCD’s busiest library. Public health measures, including physical distancing, face coverings ,and improved hand hygiene, have required that the library adapt its facilities and restrict library services.

The library’s facilities have changed noticeably. On the first floor, a number of social study areas have been rearranged or closed off. There is hazard warning tape and floor markings throughout the building, outlining the direction of foot traffic and where to stand when queuing for library services. Bathroom stalls and washhand basins are to be closed at regular intervals to achieve physical distancing. Perspex screens separate librarians and students at the information desks, while seats, printers, and other shared appliances are dispersed 2 metres apart.

The full catalogue of academic books will be available. Most books on short loan have been extended from 48 hours to 7 days, while those in very high demand have been assigned to libraryuse only. Additional stock has been added to both collections. Meanwhile, general loans will be automatically renewed to improve students’ experience and reduce fines.

Students can study at the library, but with restrictions. They must use the online system to book a study seat in advance. They can book two 2-hour slots per day, but the same seat cannot be booked back-to-back. Study seats cannot be booked more than five days in advance. Face coverings are mandatory for students moving through the library building. Physical distancing of at least 1 metre must be maintained between students, and 2 metres wherever possible. Students must also use the materials provided to clean all surfaces and shared equipment after use.

The reopening plan also improves remote access to library services. UCD Library has purchased 180,000 new ebooks, added an online library chat service, and created video tutorials and online research guides. This allows students to access core learning materials without having to travel to campus. UCDSU Welfare Officer, Ruiarí Power, is grateful to the library services team for maximising access to study spaces and learning resources for students. A statement was published on the UCDSU website saying that “The Students’ Union thanked the Library Services Team for all efforts to provide students with access to these essential resources”.

The James Joyce Library’s facilities, services and opening hours are all subject to charge in response to public health advice. To stay informed, UCD Library provides regular updates on all five campus library locations through the library website and at UCDLibrary on Twitter.