Local college students get one-off €250 Covid grant

(Above) File pic.

Almost 1,750 third level students from Westmeath are to receive a €250 Covid-19 cash grant this Christmas

Non SUSI grant holders can use the €250 against student fees or the use of college facilities, while students in receipt of a grant will receive the money in the next instalment on December 18.

Peter Burke, Minister of State and Longford Westmeath TD, has confirmed 1,748 students from Westmeath and their counteparts from around the country will receive the Covid-19 once-off Emergency Cash Grant of €250 this Christmas.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD secured funding in Budget 2021 for a €50 million support package for third level students, who have experienced significant upheaval as a result of Cvid-19.

Minister Burke said that "2020 has been a really difficult year for students and their families".

"Students have been confined to the box room or the kitchen table doing their studies and it has been extremely hard on them and their families. Many first-time students in particular had expected this year to be an exciting new chapter in their lives, and this expectation, along with many of our plans for 2020, were cruelly dashed by the COVID 19 virus. Many students also lost their part time work and source of income as well as social and education outlets.

“This government has established a new department which has sole responsibility for the Third Level sector and its reform. As part of the Budget, we secured funding to financially assist students who have been so negatively affected by the pandemic. This will happen in two ways.

“If you are a student in receipt of SUSI, and 1,748 people from Westmeath are, you will receive €250 in addition to your grant on December 18. Students should make sure their bank details are updated on your SUSI account by December 7.

“And if you are not in receipt of SUSI, you can use the €250 to reduce any fees you may have or use it for college facilities for those who will graduate next year.

“I know this won’t replace the year that has been, but I hope it is recognition that the Government is conscious of the affect this pandemic has had on young people.”