Maynooth University students stage walk-out over failed construction of new centre

Following the disappointment from students and alumni over a promised state of the art student centre, students will engage in a staged walk-out of lectures this morning. The walk-out is set for 11:11am and will take place outside of the John Hume Building.

TODAY AT 11:11📣

Students, staff, alumni, family, friends, be there to ask #WheresMyLevy✊ https://t.co/xaBMpr3WN6

— Maynooth Students' Union (MSU) #WheresMyLevy? (@maynoothsu) October 6, 2022

Maynooth University shared plans to drop the construction project last week due to increasing costs, a decision made by the university’s governing authority. However, students have paid additional fees – a €150 student levy – for the past seven years toward the building.

The university has challenged its Student Union, claiming, “When the students endorsed the levy rising to its current €150 a year, it was not contingent upon this specific student centre project.”

Maynooth University Students’ Union President Niall Daly responded to the college’s claim, stating, “The university’s claim that the levy was not contingent upon a Student Centre project is disingenuous and misleading. The University gave several guarantees as to what would be funded by the levy in order that MSU would be able to support the recommendation of a levy referendum to the student body, one of which was a new Student Centre.”

The SU’s claim appears to be backed through verified written evidence between the union and the university, including a letter from the former university president which stated, “The University and the Students’ Union agree that the purpose of the levy is to fund a specific set of projects.”

This week, Maynooth students have set off around campus gaining signatures for a #WheresMyLevy petition, in order to prompt the university to continue construction of a much-needed student centre.

Returned to @maynoothsu today to get students to sign the #WheresMyLevy petition.

A lack of student spaces came up often, showing a student building is needed more than ever.

Maynooth students - Make sure to walk out at 11:11 tomorrow.

For everyone else, show your solidarity! pic.twitter.com/hWoLjPn8n7

— Ross - VP for Campaigns #USIWalkout 13th Oct 11.11 (@USI_Campaigns) October 5, 2022

Daly also shared that the students will have the allied support of several lecturers on their side.

The union is calling for the levy to be frozen immediately, with no additional increases over the next five years. Additionally, students are demanding clear communication over how the university plans to use the remaining funds.