The student accommodation crisis is undermining the academic potential and personal development of an entire generation, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins.
Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s spokesperson on further and higher education, said:
“At this time in their lives, students should be focused on their studies, building friendships, and experiencing everything that university life has to offer. Instead, many will be spending their days scrambling for a bed, travelling unsustainable distances to college, or stuck living in substandard accommodation. That is no way to start your academic journey.
“Housing insecurity is having a direct impact on students’ ability to succeed. How can they properly prepare for exams, complete assignments, or participate in group projects if they don’t even know where they’ll be living next month? The lack of stable accommodation creates constant anxiety, diminishes their academic performance, and erodes their confidence.
“The harm is not only academic, but also deeply personal. College is supposed to be a time of growth, independence, and new opportunities. But instead of joining clubs and societies, many students are isolated or exhausted from the stress of commuting for hours. As a result, they are missing out on the friendships and formative experiences that are as much a part of higher education as the lecture hall itself.
“To protect Ireland’s reputation as a world-class education provider, we need urgent action from both government and third level institutions. This country prides itself on being a vibrant and welcoming country for students, but the reality is that young people are being pushed to the margins. If we continue down this path, we will drive domestic and international talent away and leave students questioning whether their education is worth the hardship.
“Students deserve better. They should be able to pursue their studies without fear that their housing situation will derail their education or impact their wellbeing. Unless we treat this as the crisis it is, we will be robbing our young people of the very experience that should shape the rest of their lives.”
August 26, 2025