Students take their protests to the streets

THOUSANDS of students brought their concern over funding of third level education to the streets in the first of a series of protests around the country yesterday.

Limerick and Tralee were brought to a standstill as student leaders rallied college-goers to demonstrate against low grants, the reintroduction of fees, the lack of medical cards and other financial concerns.

The demonstrations followed the occupation of the Department of Education boardroom in Dublin by seven students two weeks ago in response to Minister Noel Dempsey's suggestion that third level fees might be brought back.