Munster businesses face a new challenge: a lack of students

With college restrictions in place and lectures moving online, businesses that rely on students are under pressure

A quiet campus at University College Cork. The majority of degree programmes will be delivered in a ‘blended’ fashion through a mixture of online and on-campus delivery. File Picture: Dan Linehan

For businesses in Cork, Limerick and Waterford, the return of students in Autumn usually offers a seasonal boost. From takeouts to taxis, to clubs and bars, students can act as an economic powerhouse. 

But across the region, higher education institutions have been asked to deliver classes remotely where possible for the coming weeks in an effort to reduce cross country movement of students and avoid large groups gathering in and around campuses.