Shortage of college places looms unless State invests in higher education, say campaigners

There will not be enough college places over the coming years to cope with a demographic bulge unless there is more State investment in higher education, campaigners have warned.

State funding for third level fell by almost 40 per cent as a result of austerity-era cost-cutting between 2008 and 2015 at a time of rising student numbers, according to campaigners. , Irish Secondary Students’ Union and trade unions representing teaching staff - said demographic pressure is set to peak in 2030 with an additional 40,000 students seeking access to third level.

USI president Síona Cahill said lack of investment currently meant students and families are shouldering some of the most expensive college charges in“Currently, the annual student contribution charge stands at a staggering €3,000. Between the years 2007-2014, this increased by a whopping 363 per cent,” she said.

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