Today’s announcement that students from the University of Limerick who had been staying in on-campus accommodation will receive a refund has been welcomed by independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice.
Speaking on the matter, he said: “Since the Covid-19 outbreak resulted in schools and colleges closing down in March, the majority of students returned home to finish out their studies remotely.
“I have been contacted by a number of students from various institutions who have been trying to secure a partial refund for the money they had paid for accommodation.
“Today’s confirmation from the University of Limerick that students who left their accommodation in March have been approved for refunds – totalling almost €3.5 million in total – is welcome news.
“It has been revealed that students will be refunded from the date they vacated the accommodation, regardless of the date that they checked out.
“As I understand it, all on-campus accommodation providers have approved refunds for students. This is a gesture of good will to families who may be struggling financially during these difficult times.
“I am also calling on all private accommodation providers to come to an arrangement with their tenants – if they have not done so already – to ease the pressures and stresses which might be on them.
“Attending college and paying for accommodation etc is a big financial outlay for families. Private accommodation providers need to recognise that students and families are facing significant financial pressures, and agree to share some of that burden,” Fitzmaurice concluded.
Michael Fitzmaurice TD 086-1914565