Cost of higher education falling for students across Longford

As preparations for the return to school students have been told that education costs are falling.

All students in Longford, including Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) students, undergrads and postgrads, will benefit from improved supports aimed at easing the financial burden of higher education, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Micheál Carrigy, said: "We know that the cost of going to college can be a significant challenge for families in Longford.

“Each year, Fine Gael have been making important changes to help students in Longford and this year is no different. Students across the board will see several significant improvements."

Senator Carrigy identified specific actions to improve the finances of students: "Starting this September, we have completely removed the charges for Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses across the Education and Training Board sector. This means more opportunities for those in Longford looking to further their education without the barrier of additional costs.

“Maintenance grants for all postgraduate students are being re-introduced from September 2024 for the first time since the financial crash, and under the Student Support Act, fee support will be available to eligible students undertaking approved part-time courses for the first time."

The Fine Gael representative spoke of other actions: “We are abolishing undergraduate college fees for individuals earning less than €55,924 annually, marking another step in our efforts to make education accessible to everyone in Longford.

"We are increasing the income threshold for Band 4 of the maintenance grant from €46,790 to €50,840, allowing more students to access higher levels of financial support.

“In addition to the above threshold changes, the holiday earnings provision under the Student Grant Scheme will allow for a deduction up to a maximum amount of €7,925- an increase from €6,552."

Senator Carrigy highlighted government actions: “Fine Gael are working to ensure that every student in Longford has a meaningful opportunity to learn and get the qualification they want.

"These changes, ratified in Budget 2024, aim to provide significant relief to families across Longford and enable students to focus more on their studies and less on financial constraints.

“These initiatives by Fine Gael ensure that Ireland remains a competitive player on the international stage by making higher learning more accessible than ever before,” he concluded.