Accommodation shortage sparks Students Union to issue Athlone rooms plea

Rebekah O'Reilly

The TUS Midlands Students' Union has put out a plea for people to offer spare rooms and houses for students to rent for the academic year.

Deputy President of the TUS Midlands Students' Union Dara Lenihan shared that the housing crisis has not improved much since the last academic year.

He said: “Unfortunately it's really similar to last year – the cost of living crisis just keeps going.

[Accommodation] is scarce, if it is there.”

When asked by the Westmeath Independent whether any students have reached out to say they won't be able to take up their place due to housing challenges, Dara said:

“Luckily not yet – but that could all change when the Leaving Cert results come out.”

The Deputy President shared that whilst accommodation is hard to come by, there has been an improvement in public transport to the Athlone campus.

“There's a couple of more bus services this year, and it seems like people are starting to take the accommodation crisis more seriously,” he said.

When asked if he had any tips for school leavers who are seeking accommodation, Dara said:

“Check out the TUS Student Union website. Rooms that are available can be found on there.

“If you're going to view a house, don't go alone, and be aware of scams, as there's a lot going around.”

The Students' Union officer said students can now feel more protected moving into digs and student accommodation houses, as the Union of Students in Ireland have lobbied the government for protections in this area.

A written agreement which sets out minimum protections for both parties must be in place if houseowners are to benefit from the rent-a-room tax breaks.