UCD Dean of Students says “our student voice on these matters is vital" ahead of "F*ck the Fees" protest

By Daire Lydon | Oct 1 2026

UCD Students’ Union (UCDSU) is encouraging students to join a national protest over
student fees and accommodation in Dublin tomorrow, Thursday 1 October. The march,
organised by the national students’ union Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ), will leave
the Garden of Remembrance at 1pm and is expected to reach Molesworth Street at around
2pm.

Student activists and supporters will address attendees from a stage at the end of the
march. AMLÉ is calling on the Government to invest in publicly funded, student-specific
accommodation, close the core funding gap in higher education and abolish the Student
Contribution Charge.

UCDSU has promoted the protest on social media as an event to “abolish student fees”. The
Students’ Union has also advertised live music and performances from student bands as
part of the day.

In an email to students, UCD Dean of Students Prof. Jason Last said the University
continues to “use and support all the channels available” to highlight the financial and
accommodation challenges facing students and the higher education sector.

Prof. Last said the University had asked those supporting learning and other student activities on
1 October “to not academically disadvantage those who wish to attend the protest”. He
added: “Our student voice on these matters is vital".