Information evenings for grant applicants

The Union of Students in Ireland is to hold various Grant Information Evenings in libraries around the country for students who are returning to or starting college this year.

These events will give students the opportunity to find out everything they need know about the student grants system in Ireland.

Free practical help will also be available to those who may need assistance filling out the relevant grant forms.

USI President, Peter Mannion, said: 'USI are committed to aiding families in the application process for the student maintenance grant. This grant is a bedrock, which allows many families to cope with the ever growing financial obligations of Third Level education. People can come to our Grant Evenings just to ask a simple question, or to get help filling out the relevant forms.

This year we are demanding that our politicians push through the necessary changes to the grants system. Given the current economic climate, even more students are relying on financial help from the Government with their college expenses. Our grants system has not changed in decades and people still find the whole application process difficult to get through. 

The USI have continuously demanded that the Student Support Bill be enacted, as this will make the application process more efficient and student-friendly.'

Scheduled Grant Information Evenings will be in held at 6pm in the following local libraries:

• County Library, Tallaght, Dublin 24 - Monday, 17th August
• Castlebar Library, County Mayo - Monday, 17th August
• County Library, Dundalk, County Louth - Tuesday, 18th August
• Tralee Library, County Kerry - Tuesday, 18th August
• Central Library, Letterkenny, County Donegal - Tuesday, 18th August
• Aidan Heavey Public Library, Athlone, County Westmeath - Tuesday, 18th August
• Central Library, Ilac Centre, Dublin 1 - Wednesday, 19th August
• Galway City and County Library, Galway - Wednesday, 19th August
• Central Library, Waterford City - Wednesday, 19th August
• Blanchardstown Library, Dublin 15 - Thursday, 20th August
• Carlow County Library, Tullow Street, County Carlow - Thursday, 20th August
• Cork City Library, Grand Parade, Cork City - Monday, 24th August
• Naas Library, Harbour View, County Kildare - Tuesday, 25th August
• Roscommon County Library, Abbey Street, Roscommon - Tuesday, 25th August
• Sligo Central Library, Stephen Street, Sligo Town - Tuesday, 25th August
• Tuam Library, Main Street, Tuam, County Galway - Tuesday, 25th August
• De Valera Public Library, Ennis, County Clare - Tuesday, 25th August
• Limerick City Library, The Granary, Michael Street, Limerick City - Thursday, 27th August                   

The date for Bundoran Community Library is yet to be confirmed.

For further information, please contact: Gillian Tsoi, USI Communications Officer, at 01 7099 300.