USI warns of accommodation crisis

The Union of Students of Ireland has claimed that college-goers are facing an accommodation crisis due to the imminent expiry of a tax relief on rental property.

Section 50 of the Finance Act gives developers a tax incentive for constructing special budget accommodation for students.

The measure is due to expire in the next three years and the USI says all these special apartments will then be put on the open market, pushing up their rents.

USI president Colm Hamrogue says this could force students into sub-standard flats and houses.