Episode's summary
In this interview, Munster Technological University (MTU) Student President Kian McGrath discusses a recent student walkout protest driven by financial frustration and systemic instability. The conversation covers the rising costs of third-level education, specifically focusing on the student contribution charge and the lack of publicly funded accommodation. McGrath highlights the extreme financial burden on students, noting that accommodation and living expenses can reach upwards of €19,000 annually, forcing many to consider commuting long distances or leaving Ireland for better opportunities in countries like Australia. The discussion also touches upon the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on student lifestyle, the rise of food insecurity, and the growing anxiety surrounding Artificial Intelligence in creative industries. McGrath shares the Students' Union's stance against endorsing AI-generated content to protect the future employability of design and media students. The episode concludes with a reflection on the bleak outlook for homeownership among the current generation of graduates.
Chapters
Click on a chapter to go directly to that moment
Highlights
the core funding gap needs to be closed and we ask the government to fulfil their promise and get rid of the student contribution charge.
00:01:12 · The student president outlines the primary financial demands being made by the student body.
Students are looking at paying at $13,000 to $14,000 a year for accommodation.
00:02:15 · McGrath provides specific figures regarding the high cost of student housing.
it's ludicrous. If you have a house there, like, yes, you're not making the same rent, but drop your rent because students need the rooms.
00:05:25 · The interviewee criticates landlords for keeping properties vacant to maintain higher rental prices.
a lot of the people that I would have gone to college with and a lot of the people that I would have met over the last number of years, they're gone. They're in Australia.
00:07:25 · The discussion highlights the trend of skilled graduates leaving Ireland for better working conditions abroad.
we won't be endorsing any AI, we won't be sharing any AI posts.
00:08:10 · The MTU Students' Union has taken a formal stance against using AI to protect creative students' livelihoods.
In this interview, Munster Technological University (MTU) Student President Kian McGrath discusses a recent student walkout protest driven by financial frustration and systemic instability. The conversation covers the rising costs of third-level education, specifically focusing on the student contribution charge and the lack of publicly funded accommodation. McGrath highlights the extreme financial burden on students, noting that accommodation and living expenses can reach upwards of €19,000 annually, forcing many to consider commuting long distances or leaving Ireland for better opportunities in countries like Australia. The discussion also touches upon the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on student lifestyle, the rise of food insecurity, and the growing anxiety surrounding Artificial Intelligence in creative industries. McGrath shares the Students' Union's stance against endorsing AI-generated content to protect the future employability of design and media students. The episode concludes with a reflection on the bleak outlook for homeownership among the current generation of graduates.
Episodes
MTU Student Union President - Cian McGrath
ListenedIn this interview, Munster Technological University (MTU) Student President Kian McGrath discusses a recent student walkout protest driven by financial frustration and systemic instability. The conversation covers the rising costs of third-level education, specifically focusing on the student contribution charge and the lack of publicly funded accommodation. McGrath highlights the extreme financial burden on students, noting that accommodation and living expenses can reach upwards of €19,000 annually, forcing many to consider commuting long distances or leaving Ireland for better opportunities in countries like Australia. The discussion also touches upon the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on student lifestyle, the rise of food insecurity, and the growing anxiety surrounding Artificial Intelligence in creative industries. McGrath shares the Students' Union's stance against endorsing AI-generated content to protect the future employability of design and media students. The episode concludes with a reflection on the bleak outlook for homeownership among the current generation of graduates.
25th September 2026
ListenedThis episode covers a wide range of pressing economic and social issues, from the rising energy debt crisis and utility arrears to the alarming trend of young people considering emigration from Ireland. The discussion explores the impact of AI on future job security for creative students and the growing difficulty of home ownership for the younger generation. Amidst these heavy topics, the show highlights stories of community kindness, including an act of generosity at a local fish and chip shop and the selfless donations to the RNLI. The episode also touches on lighter news, such as the massive demand for Oasis tickets, local theft by a fox at a golf club, and the antics of 'joyriding birds' at Blarney Golf Club.
Caoimhe - Where are my hen party t-shirts?
ListenedA radio segment featuring an interview with Cuiva, a bride-to-be preparing for her hen party in Torremolinas. The discussion centers on a logistical crisis involving missing hen party t-shirts that were stuck at the sorting office in Little Island. The episode details the collaborative efforts of various individuals, including Malcolm the Postie and staff members Susan O'Shea and Carl Burstead, to locate and deliver the items before the group flies out. The conversation also touches on the personal stakes for the bridesmaids, who are navigating the challenges of traveling while leaving young infants behind. The segment concludes with a celebration of community assistance and well-wishes for the upcoming weekend festivities.
Are we set for more protests?
ListenedAn interview with Anthony, a truck driver and activist, regarding an upcoming cost of living meeting scheduled for Sunday in Moat, County Westmeath. The discussion highlights a shift from specific fuel protests to a broader movement encompassing concerns over kerosene prices, electricity costs, carbon tax, USC, and the general economic hardship facing various sectors including haulage, agriculture, and healthcare workers. The conversation details the rising costs of diesel and home heating oil, the financial strain on small transport operations, and criticisms of government inaction and corporate profits. Anthony discusses the potential for widespread, unannounced protests across Ireland if significant issues are not addressed before the upcoming budget.
What do the people of Cork like to eat? Seamus found out
ListenedSeamus Whelan takes to the streets of Cork to investigate the favorite international cuisines among locals. The exploration covers a variety of preferences ranging from Italian pizzas and Mexican burritos to Chinese spice bags and authentic Scandinavian delicacies. The episode features personal anecdotes about food habits, including the logistics of transporting Swedish specialty foods like elk and pickled mackerel into Ireland, as well as the cultural phenomenon of the Irish-style Chinese spice bag.