INDEPENDENT Ireland councillor Tommy Hartigan has called on the Government to urgently fulfil its commitment to reduce student fees, warning that young people and working families cannot afford further delays.
Cllr Hartigan, the party’s youth spokesperson, highlighted the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing households nationwide, noting that students and young workers are already under significant financial strain.
“From rising rents to everyday expenses, the burden continues to grow. The promised reduction in fees would provide meaningful relief,” he told the Limerick Post.
Cllr Hartigan further pointed to Ireland remaining among the most expensive countries in Europe for third-level education, with many students relying heavily on part-time employment or family support to continue their studies.
“Financial barriers have a direct impact on access to education and opportunity. Reducing fees is not just a political promise — it is an urgent necessity,” he added.
Cllr Hartigan also referenced previous Government interventions in areas such as energy supports and broader cost-of-living measures, arguing that similar decisive action is needed on student fees.
“The Government has demonstrated that it can act swiftly and effectively when it chooses to. The same urgency must now be applied on this issue,” he said.
The Pallaskenry native urged leaders to follow through on their commitments.
“It’s very simple — you’ve made it work in other areas, now make this work,” he insisted.
Cllr Hartigan’s remarks come after he addressed an Independent Ireland conference in Galway, where he described the current generation of students as “the forgotten generation”.