UCC Students Face Cost of Living Increases

By Orla Leahy - News EditorThe University College Cork Students’ Union (UCCSU) have been “disheartened” to have to reopen their food bank to “support students who are experiencing food insecurity on campus.” The food bank reopened from 5-7pm on Wednesday, October 6th, and unfortunately ran out after 45 minutes. The high demand for the bank’s resources highlights the financial strain that students are currently under. UCCSU stated that their reason for reopening the bank is the increased cost of living that students are facing. This arises from a number of factors, but primarily the housing crisis and the general cost to students of attending third level education. Caoimhe Walsh, the UCCSU Welfare Officer, has drawn attention to the fact that students have had to avail of Cork Penny Dinners’ services. Due to the extortionate costs students are facing, they simply do not have enough money left over for food. 100 students have been living in a hostel in Cork City for the first month of the academic year, while others live in B&Bs, and many other students commute up to four hours a day. Whilst the National Planning Framework, published on October 4th acknowledges the issue of student accommodation, and underscores the need for future development of “purpose-built student accommodation” in close proximity to both the college and “accessible infrastructure”, it is at odds with a statement from the Higher Education Authority (HEA)’s in 2020. The HEA claimed that the "imbalance between supply and demand will not be resolved by known or estimated future developments." Therefore, despite the futuristic prospect of additional student accommodation, further action, such as improved investment and purposeful, efficient planning is required to support students. In the interim, it is initiatives, such as the UCCSU Food Bank and Vintage Clothes Market that support students and alleviate some of their costs. Students may also face blackouts this winter, according to Eirgrid, as may the general public, due to what the Minister for the Environment, Climate Action and Communications, Éamon Ryan, voiced as “tight” electricity supplies. However, the increase in more sustainable power supplies, battery power and upcoming auctions combined may prevent blackouts. The uncertainty concerning the supply of electricity this winter is not helping students who are overcoming current financial strain. UCC became the first third level institution in Ireland to use solely renewable energy sources in 2016. It is this sustainability initiative that may ensure that the campus remains bright for the duration of the winter, as UCC would not have been relying on older energy plants which have now closed. Should blackouts occur, UCC will need to continue to adapt to support students as is currently to be seen with the food bank. The bank continues to accept donations and any concerns or queries may be directed to Caoimhe, UCCSU Welfare Officer, at 086 184 2697.