'We’ve had enough': MTU students to hold walkout over cost of living issues 

Students at Munster Technological University (MTU) are to hold a walkout protest on Thursday to highlight concerns around the current cost of living issues for third level students. Picture: Denis Minihane.

Students at Munster Technological University (MTU) are to hold a walkout protest on Thursday to highlight concerns around the current cost of living issues for third level students.

Commencing at 12 noon, the MTU Students' Union is asking students in Cork to walk out of classes and gather for a peaceful demonstration outside the MTU Bishopstown Library. 

At the university's Kerry campus, the walkout will take place at the same time. 

Among the issues highlighted will be the need for more affordable student accommodation.

Cian McGrath, president of the MTU Students' Union, told the Irish Examiner that the walkout aims to show that students have "had enough" and are "fed up" with "being seen as third class citizens in this country".

“I have been involved with the students' union for a number of years. I have seen it myself, it seems like we getting more and more commuter students because there isn’t enough student accommodation places for them. 

“If there are spaces, then it is too expensive and they can’t afford it."

Students getting hit 'from every single direction'

He added: “Then you see the rising cost of fuel and the rising cost of public transport as well. So, it just seems like students are getting hit from every single direction.” 

In terms of the action he would like to see following on from this protest, Mr McGrath said more robust Government supports are needed.

“I think that the HEA (Higher Education Authority) and the overnment need to invest in our students.

“It's been stated and bragged about so many times that Irish graduates are some of the best in the world.

“We are just hoping for better treatment of students. We are hoping for something to come in place, to allow those students to be able to work and study," he said. 

“Not having to choose whether they are going to eat or head home.

“A lot of students have to come to us saying that they have had to make decisions, where they are either going to shop and get food or they are just saving that money so they can travel home.”