STUDENTS at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) are set to walk out of class this Wednesday (October 22) in response to what they described as an “appalling” Budget 2026 for students and third level institutions.
The protest, which will get underway from 12pm on Wednesday, is being organised nationally by TUS Students’ Union with support from AMLÉ (formerly Union of Students in Ireland, USI).
Earlier this month, Budget 2026 announced a permanent reduction of €500 in student contribution fees for all third level courses. However, the move by the Department of Education marks a decrease on last year’s budget where a €1000 reduction was implemented.
Now TUS alongside other technological universities across the country, including TUS Midlands Mid West and MTU Kerry, have outlined a number of asks to be introduced across the TU sector.
The asks include the implementation of a full TU Borrowing Framework which would allow all TU institutions to access capital funding from central government to construct purpose-built student accommodation, and an increase in the postgraduate stipend to ensure students receive the full €25,000 research stipend.
It also calls for the full implementation and funding of professorships within the TU sector, increased core funding for courses taught through Irish, and allow TUs to fully develop educational bachelors and masters degree without collaboration for legacy universities.
Speaking on the protest, TUS SU president Dara Lenihan said that
“when technological universities were proposed, students and teaching staff were promised new opportunities, broadening of the university experience, and a revival of the student experience. Instead, students and staff alike are experiencing the mergers as petty cost-cutting measures.”
“We’re not prepared to accept that our TUs and our members are destined for a second class, and this walk-out is intended to signal students’ support for a vision of a better future for technological universities,” Mr Lenihan added.
Also speaking out in support of the walk-out, AMLÉ president Bryan O’Mahony said: “As a student who went through the merger process from IT to TU, it’s clear to me that the government had no intention of delivering what they promised.”
“It sometimes seems they’ve spent more money on the new signs on the buildings than progression for staff or the student experience and we’re barely any further on with student accommodation. Technological universities should mean more than a cost cutting exercise.”