Maynooth Students' Union has hit out at the decision to scrap a new campus centre paid for out of student levies.
Students who attended the university between 2015 and 2022 paid a €150 sum annually towards the centre, on top of their student contribution fees of €3000 . The centre was supposed to be completed next year, but Maynooth has confirmed the project has been abolished due to rising costs.
Maynooth SU’s President Niall Daly has said he is “angered” on behalf of students regarding the decision. He added that the move was an indication that student needs were not given enough consideration by university officials.
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He said: “This project was the flagship project to be funded by the student levy. Students have been paying this levy, in addition to the student contribution, since 2015 and disappointingly none of the student levy funded projects have been delivered in that time. This indicates yet again that students are not being prioritised by the University."
The university itself also released a statement on the terminated contract for the centre. They said the decision was made by Maynooth’s Governing Authority as a result of “rapidly escalating costs” as well as technical issues that had arisen during construction.
Maynooth University officials also added that the updated cost of the project would have exceeded the original estimated value of construction by 50 percent. A spokesperson for Maynooth University confirmed to Dublin Live this was a key consideration for the University's Governing Authority when reviewing the building's future.
The spokesperson said: "The levy is, and will remain, ring-fenced for student facilities projects. In recent years the levy has funded projects including sports, student facilities and an extension to Maynooth Students’ Union (MSU) building, and will continue to do so as a long-term solution to the Student Centre project is reviewed and addressed."
However, many students have gone online to demand their money back due to the centre's cancellation. Several people pointed out that the issue does not just impact current students but also university alumni who claim they never experienced the benefits of their financial contributions.
One person wrote on Twitter: “What a slap in the face to students and alumni of Maynooth University. Maybe the fastest growing university in Ireland needs to slow down and put their students’ needs first. “
Maynooth SU confirmed they would continue to push for a new student centre and enhanced facilities across the university, which is attended by approximately 15,000 students overall. The 3,700 square metre building commenced construction in summer 2020.
The proposed centre was conceptualised as a welcoming hub for the student body, with plenty of space to facilitate club and society meetings. The centre was also set to include an outdoor living room veiled by a canopy, which designers said would create a pleasant hybrid space for students.
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