Some students from Trinity College in Dublin are blocking the entrance to the Long Room at the Book of Kells this morning.
It's over the College's decision to raise rents by 2 per cent. Trinity College Student Union says this will put an additional strain on students already facing financial challenges.
Members of the SU say they will hold a blockade outside the Book of Kells, which is a huge tourist attraction, until 5 this evening.
TCDSU statement: "According to their 2022 financial report, Trinity has made 10.5 million euro from on-campus accommodation, yet student services continue to remain underfunded, there are no period products readily available, and the high student-staff ratio means the quality of our education is negatively impacted. Students should not be bearing the brunt of the costs of education, why does Trinity remain complicit in the government’s views to treat education as a luxury, not a right?”
TCDSU President: "This is an appalling decision taken by senior management. Trinity College Dublin is contributing to the worsening of the housing crisis as they are following a for profit model. This affects all of the College, students and staff. The 2% increase will place additional strain on students already facing financial challenges. We also extend our solidarity to staff who are in precarious employment, and we will not stand for this blatant disregard for our community values.”
Trinity College have posted online that anyone with a brebooked ticket will be refunded. They added: In light of persistently high inflation, modest increases in rents (2pc) have been required to cover rising costs. Inflation has been high for an extended period; in the 12 months to August 2023, the category of housing, water, electricity, gas & other fuels rose 17.3%.''
The Old Library of Trinity College Dublin and @BookOfKellsTCD are currently not accessible to the public.
We will provide further updates as needed. All customers with prebooked tickets will be refunded in full.
We apologise for the disruption. pic.twitter.com/MdKbegfsn8— Trinity College Dublin (@tcddublin) September 13, 2023
