TCD students block access to Book of Kells in protest over rent hikes

Trinity College Dublin students preventing access to the Book of Kells in protest over rent increases and the lack of housing in Dublin. Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

Students at Trinity College Dublin barricaded access to the Book of Kells on Wednesday in protest over the university's decision to raise student accommodation rents this year. 

Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) and the Postgraduate Workers’ Organisation (PWO) blocked access to the popular tourist attraction to highlight the university's move to increase rent by 2% for this academic term.

This is the maximum allowed as per rent pressure zone (RPZ) legislation. All customers who had pre-booked tickets for the tourist attraction on Wednesday will be refunded in full, the university confirmed.

In a statement, TCDSU said the university makes €10m a year from student accommodation. 

“If they take money from the students, then the students will take money from college, by blockading one of Trinity's most profitable attractions,” it said.

Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union said the university makes €10m a year from student accommodation. Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

TCDSU spokeswoman Aiesha Wong said the group believes the rental increase was carried out in a "hypocritical" way. 

"Considering how they've always talked about how students are being affected by the accommodation crisis. There's no real need for them to raise the rent," she said.

"The reason why we targeted the Book of Kells specifically is because Trinity pays a lot of attention to the tourist side of things, and the Book of Kells is their main money maker." 

The blockade was planned for one day but further direct action is planned by students if their demands are not met. 

Our main demand is that we want a rent freeze for the next two years. 

"We want to work with the college obviously and, if nothing happens, we will have further protests planned," said Ms Wong.

Trinity is not alone in increasing rent this year as the price of student accommodation in Irish universities increased almost across the board. University College Dublin also increased rent at its student accommodation by the maximum 2% allowed under RPZ legislation.

The blockade was planned for one day but further direct action is planned by students if their demands are not met. Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

A spokeswoman for Trinity said “modest increases” in rents have been required to cover rising costs, in light of persistently high inflation.

“Inflation has been high for an extended period; in the 12 months to August 2023, the category of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels rose 17.3%.”

The 2% increase is part of a three-year plan that will expire this year and be subject to review, she added. 

"Utility charges for students have not been increased at all this year despite significant inflation pressure. 

"We are always open to engaging with the student body on discussing rents for future years. Students have every right to protest peacefully and we are always willing to listen to their views and engage in dialogue." 

However, she said that blocking the entrance to the Old Library of Trinity, which holds the Book of Kells, is "counter-productive". 

"Income from the Book of Kells exhibition is vital for running the university and for providing services to students. Actions like [Wednesday's] blockade only worsen the situation for everyone. 

"We apologise to those who had pre-booked tickets today and were unable to visit the Book of Kells. Refunds will be paid to those affected."