Trinity has confirmed that there will be no rent increases within College accommodation for the 2025/2026 academic year.
In an email to Trinity News, a spokesperson for College stated that “there is no plan – nor will there be a plan” to increase rent for the upcoming academic year.
“The suggestion that there is a proposed plan to increase rent for the academic year 2025/2026 is incorrect” The statement concluded.
This College statement comes in response to a protest earlier this month, led by Trinity College Dublin Student Union (TCDSU).
TCDSU President, Jenny Maguire, and other union members spray painted the words “rent freeze” on the construction barriers of the campanile, which is currently under refurbishment.
In a statement issued by TCDSU, the Union claimed that the possibility of a rent freeze was “ignored” during a recent meeting between Provost Linda Doyle and TCDSU leadership.
“The expected rent increases in August will further burden struggling students and diminish the livelihoods of students who are already paying exorbitant rents.”
“College authorities must commit to a rent freeze for the academic year 2025/26. If this pledge is not made by next Friday TCDSU will be left with no choice but to escalate our opposition to the highest level.” The statement continued.
It is unclear whether College’s commitment to not increase rents for the upcoming academic year will be constituted as a rent freeze by TCDSU.
In a statement to Trinity News, Lorenzo Cheasty, the TCDSU Housing Rights officer, called the rent freeze a “monumental victory for students”.
Cheasty also called for College to take further action to help students during the current housing crisis.
“This action is far from enough to ensure that students can survive amid our severe housing crisis. Much more needs to be done to ensure that students are able to access college despite the harsh financial barriers that the current housing crisis poses.” Cheasty stated.
“Trinity student accommodation suffers from extortionate pricing, a severe shortage in
supply, and a lack of provision for students without the means to afford it. Fixing this
will demand action beyond campaigning – we must directly work with other collegiate
institutions and organisations across Dublin to play an active role. Assisting with housing rights and provision is the way towards reforming Irish society.”
