An increase in student intercity rail fares which came into effect yesterday has been condemned by the Union of Students of Ireland (USI).
The increase will result in many students being forced to arrange alternative forms of transport as a result.
Students will pay on average 8 per cent more for their tickets, with the cost of a typical student return ticket from Dublin to Cork rising from €34.00 to €36.50. The price of an adult return ticket is €58.00.
Other discounted fares, including season and annual tickets will also be increased by an average of 7 per cent from October 1st.
This follows an increase of 9 per cent on all statutory fares which came into effect last December.
Mr Will Priestley, USI president, said students travelling home at the weekend are often those most affected by overcrowding on trains.
Reductions are available only to holders of ISIC Student Cards with a Travelsave Stamp which costs €13.00 annually.
Iarnród Éireann yesterday defended the price increase, which, it says, is due to the fact that it is faced with increasing inflationary pressures while continuing with its railway investment programme.