Carol Nolan TD at the Education Committee calling for more school building works. Local TD warns of rising barriers to third-level education for Offaly familiesOffaly Independent TD Carol Nolan has raised concerns over the increasing financial pressures faced by families in Offaly and the wider Midlands in supporting their children to attend third-level education. According to the survey, around 59% of students from DEIS schools entered third-level last year, down from 64% in 2024. She warned that the cost-of-living crisis has evolved into an “access crisis” for families in Offaly and the Midlands, contributing to a widening social divide. That is a complete betrayal of the social contract on the part of the state,” Deputy Nolan concluded.

Source: Irish Independent January 15, 2026 12:34 UTC