SU deliver on Irish-speaking accommodation

It has been agreed that Campus Residences LTD will set aside apartments on campus for Irish-speaking students.

This comes after discussions between DCU Students’ Union and Campus Residences.

Students applying for campus accommodation have the option to signal their preference for Irish-speaking accommodation. However, it was brought to SU President Kim Sweeney, that despite requesting Irish-speaking apartments in their form, many students didn’t get them.

“It was brought to my attention that when applying for campus residence there is an option to tick if you wish to be living with all Irish-speaking housemates, however in some cases the applicants have ended up in English-speaking apartments”.

Both groups came to an agreement that two apartments in the College Park Complex, two apartments in the Hampstead Complex and six apartments in Larkfield will be set aside for Irish-speaking students.

It was also noted that a student who applies for Irish-speaking accommodation will not be given any preference over any other student who submits an application for accommodation.

“Once you’ve gotten accepted they will allocate you in an Irish house depending on demand and availability,” Sweeney said.

The SU President will be notified of the levels of interest expressed by students after the application process has ended.

Campus Residences LTD also added that they hope to work alongside An Cumann Gaelach to create correct signage in Irish for use in the allocated apartments.

Caoimhe Ní Chathail, Chairperson of An Cumann Gaelach DCU, is delighted with the announcement:

“We have come a long way to now be able to guarantee the availability of Irish language accommodation. Campus Res are offering 30 places and while these are all totally dependable on demand and the lottery system for campus already in place, I am delighted with the progress that has been made. I look forward to working with campus res on promoting the scheme and putting proper signage in place as the Irish language accommodation is established”.

Áine Marie Monk