Students face substandard housing over shortage

THIRD-level students could be forced to live in substandard accommodation due to a shortage of affordable housing and the end of special tax breaks, it was revealed.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) president Shane Kelly said he was extremely concerned about the end of section 50 tax incentives on purpose-built student accommodation and the growing demand for places to live.

“When the tax breaks end, what you’ll see is young professionals moving in and students being forced out because rent controls won’t be there and rents will go up,” he said.