Budget 2026 will Reduce the Cost for Families in Cork with College Fees – O’Shea

The permanent reduction of college fees of €500 is a meaningful step towards making third-level in Ireland more accessible for student and families in Cork, Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has said.

Deputy O’Shea said: “This reduction is a clear sign of Fine Gael’s commitment to easing the financial burden on students and families in Cork, and is set to benefit around 108,000 students in the current academic year. The change will take effect from January 1st, 2026”.

Deputy O’Shea said Fine Gael will continue to work towards the full abolition of college fees. “We believe access to education shouldn’t be determined on the ability to pay. However, that must be done in a financially sustainable way over the lifetime of the Government. While we must act responsibly and sustainably, our ambition is clear: to remove financial barriers and open doors for students in who want to pursue higher education. The household income threshold for SUSI will rise from €115,000 to €120,000. This will mean more students qualify for supports and help middle-income families in Cork who often struggle to cover college costs.

Deputy O’Shea added “An additional €65m will enable a further 12,500 apprenticeship registrations and will give students in Cork the opportunity to earn while learning on the job. Apprenticeships build confidence as well as teamwork skills. They also provide the opportunity to work in the industry and connect with professionals and mentors who can support career growth.

Deputy O’Shea concluded by saying these measures build on Fine Gael’s record of expanding access to education, investing in student supports, and strengthening Ireland’s third-level institutions. “We are proud to stand with students and families, and we will continue to champion policies that make education more inclusive, more affordable, and more empowering.”