Call for free public transport to be made available for third-level students in Sligo

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Sligo Councillors have backed calls for the expansion of the free travel scheme through the Leap card to include third level students travelling to and from college on TFI bus and train services.

Addressing his motion before the February meeting of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dara Mulvey said, “Last year, the TFI Leap Card was extended to include free travel for children up to nine years old which was widely welcomed. This new initiative would be aimed at supporting these third-level students who are facing accommodation shortages and help them with the cost-of-living.

Cllr Mulvey stressed, “Many students live in a constant state of anxiety, forcing them to choose between pursuing their education and securing basic living conditions.”

Outlining the difficulties faced by students Cllr Mulvey said, “The Union of Students Ireland (USI) said the pricing of public transport needs to be addressed, stating that some students can be spending upwards of €500 a month solely on transport and by introducing this it would cost around €200 million.

“Many students are forced to drive unsustainable distances at high costs or endure overcrowded living circumstances as a result of the housing crisis and some students are relying on digs or living with a host family, which provides no legal protections.

“We all know about the ongoing crisis affecting students trying to secure accommodation near their colleges, many students are being priced out or simply cannot find a place to live in university areas stated Cllr Mulvey. This is not just a housing issue, it’s an access issue also.

“I am aware of many students in Sligo and further afield who are struggling to find accommodation as they continue in third-level education across the country. By offering free public transport for students from outside the major university cities in order to ease the rising problem and allow them to live farther away, where housing may be more accessible and less expensive.”

Cllr Mulvey concluded by saying, “This initiative wouldn't be a perfect solution, but it may provide many students with some form of relief.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Ann Higgins who noted there is no student accommodation and a shortage of rental properties for students, there are significant numbers who are travelling daily to and from college.

“Approximately 65% of ATU students are in receipt SUSI grants, that means they are from the lower socio-economic backgrounds so anything that can be done to reduce the financial burden on them and their families would help. I have spoken before about how the financial pressures on third level students means many of them have to work in excess of the recommended 16 hours a week to pay their way through college and afford all the additional costs including transport means that we are effectively flipping them from full-time students taking on part-time jobs to effectively full-time workers as part-time students. It’s not conducive for them to fulfill their potential and achieve the best academic that they can and experiencing the full experience of university and third level life. Any additional financial assistance is to be welcomed.”

The motion was also backed by Cllr Marie Casserly who said, "It would take a lot more cars off the road because people are forced to drive linger distances to college. Some people may not agree with it but I think universal free public transport is the way to go. They have it in a lot of other European countries and I think it is definitely something we should look at.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.