Ahead of the upcoming Budget 2026, Limerick Voice asked UL students what their expectations are for the year ahead.
Unsurprisingly the main topic of conversation was removal of the temporary fee reductions for students this June, with students on campus calling for the funding to be reinstated.
One economics student, who is writing her final year project on college retention rates, highlighted the impact the cost of third level education has on students completing their degrees.
“I’d love to see another reduction in the student fees because I know last year they put them up again.”
She added, “I’m actually doing my final year project on retention rates and it’s one of the leading causes in non-completion is having to pay fees, students dealing with rent, material costs, so I’d love to see that come down again.”
It is anticipated that once again the price of cigarettes will increase by a further 50 cent. One UL student voiced his concern regarding another increase of tobacco products.
“I suppose I hope tobacco taxes don’t go up to be honest with you, as bad as that is to say. I don’t know what the tax is, but you’d be paying around €18 a box.”
The UL student pointed out that his friends are more inclined to buy cigarettes from other European countries where tobacco is not taxed as highly, which is becoming a common trend for smokers in Ireland.
Added to the yearly tobacco increase is the expected rise in the price of vape e-liquids, which are expected to jump from €5 to €11.15, and disposable vapes which will increase from €8 to €9.23.
A fourth year UL student acknowledged the health benefits the increase will have, but light-heartedly added, “If they could just not do it in my final year and then I’ll quit after that, right when I’m not stressed out about my exams.”
Students were hopeful that fuel prices could be tackled in the budget, and that one-off measures like the winter energy credits would be reinstated to tackle the rising cost of living crisis.