The decision to increase charged DCU students pay to park on campus has been described as “a real kind of gut punch”. 

This month, students have returned to college for the new academic year but those who drive to lectures have found the cost of their commute has risen sharply. 

“Last year, it was €300 for nine months,” student Jack told Lunchtime Live. 

“Which works out at something like €8 a week this time.” 

This year, parking permits have been contracted out to a private firm and they decided to up the cost of parking during peak hours. 

“Their rates are €5 from 8am  to 8pm and then €3 from 8pm to 8am,” Jack said. 

“So, in effect, it’s €8 a day, equating to €56 a week, versus what we were paying last year which worked out at about €8 a week. 

“It’s seven times the cost and I’m sure all motorists out there know, having a car, is expensive at the best of times

“Especially for college students, this is a real kind of gut punch.” 

In a statement to Newstalk, DCU said its new "pay as you go" parking system costs €3 during the day and €2 overnight, equating to a €35 weekly charge if a student parks on campus everyday.

'Not the best offer in the world'

Jack said for people who live on campus they have no option but to pay the rates. 

He added that even last year, the €300 was “not the best offer in the world”. 

“I know a friend of mine in Galway paid €50 for the full year,” he said. 

“Another friend of mine in Derry [paid] £75 for 12 months.” 

Jack is paying €6,500 for his accommodation from September to June - which works out at €722 a month. 

If he were to pay the full €56 a week for parking as well, it would cost him an additional €2,184 over the next nine months - something he said would mean he has to “work a few extra shifts”. 

DCU has been contacted for comment.

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Main image: The DCU campus in Dublin. Picture by: The Higher Education Authority (HEA)