The Union of Students in Ireland is to hold various Grant Information Evenings in libraries around the country for students who are returning to or starting college this year.

These events will give students the opportunity to find out everything they need know about the student grants system in Ireland.

Free practical help will also be available to students who may need assistance filling out the relevant grant forms.

USI President, Peter Mannion, said:

“USI are committed to aiding families in the application process for the student maintenance grant. This grant is a bedrock, which allows many families to cope with the ever growing financial obligations of Third Level education. People can come to our Grant Evenings just to ask a simple question, or to get help filling out the relevant forms.

This year we are demanding that our politicians push through the necessary changes to the grants system. Given the current economic climate, even more students are relying on financial help from the Government with their college expenses. Our grants system has not changed in decades and people still find the whole application process difficult to get through.

The USI have continuously demanded that the Student Support Bill be enacted, as this will make the application process more efficient and student-friendly.”

Scheduled Grant Information Evenings will be in held at 6pm in the following local libraries:

• County Library, Dundalk, County Louth Tuesday, 18th August, 2009.
• Tralee Library, County Kerry Tuesday, 18th August, 2009.
• Central Library, Letterkenny, County Donegal Tuesday, 18th August, 2009.
• Aidan Heavey Public Library, Athlone, County Westmeath Tuesday, 18th August, 2009.
• Central Library, Ilac Centre, Dublin 1 Wednesday, 19th August, 2009.
• Galway City and County Library, Galway Wednesday, 19th August, 2009.
• Central Library, Waterford City Wednesday, 19th August, 2009.
• Blanchardstown Library, Dublin 15 Thursday, 20th August, 2009.
• Carlow County Library, Tullow Street, County Carlow Thursday, 20th August, 2009.
• Cork City Library, Grand Parade, Cork City Monday, 24th August, 2009.
• Naas Library, Harbour View, County Kildare. Tuesday, 25th August, 2009.
• Roscommon County Library, Abbey Street, Roscommon Tuesday, 25th August, 2009.
• Sligo Central Library, Stephen Street, Sligo Town Tuesday, 25th August, 2009.
• Tuam Library, Main Street, Tuam, County Galway Tuesday, 25th August, 2009.
• De Valera Public Library, Ennis, County Clare Tuesday, 25th August, 2009.
Limerick City Library, The Granary, Michael Street, Limerick City Thursday, 27th August, 2009.

The date for Bundoran Community Library is yet to be confirmed.

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