Students in Waterford to receive over €200,000 in funding

Students from Waterford will receive funding of over €200,000 to help with cost of living challenges and essential purchases, it has been confirmed.

Senator John Cummins referenced the overall funding of €4.3 million secured by Minister Simon Harris today which will assist students across the country with purchases such as books and class materials, rent, childcare and transport, among other things.

Sen. Cummins said: “This €232,707.00 funding boost is a crucial and welcome resource to help third level students in Waterford who are finding it difficult to make ends meet.

“We have taken crucial steps to address the cost of education for students in Budget 2023. This fund will further assist students and put more money back in people’s pockets by the end of the year.

“The once off funding is provided through the Student Assistance Fund and will be distributed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) early this year. Overall, €20 million has been allocated for this fund for the 22/23 academic year.

“Furthermore, the Minister confirmed that students across Waterford who will receive the once off Tier 3-1916 Path 2 bursary which helps socio-economically disadvantaged will see an increase of €500 for the 22/23 academic year.

“These students are students with a disability, members of the Traveller and Roma communities, mature students and further education award holders. The number of students who will be impacted by this change will be approximately 820, a €410,000 increase in cost," Sen Cummins said.

“Fine Gael are committed to ensuring access to education is a key priority and to ease the burden families and students face in relation to the cost of living,” Senator Cummins concluded.

Minister Harris added, “Budget 2023 made real and meaningful changes for students. We reduced the registration fee by €1,000 and increased the maintenance grant. The renters credit and the extension of free public transport are also tangible changes which will make important changes for students. This is a further extension of that support.”