Dublin has the second-lowest participation rate in third-level education of any county in the Republic - and lags well behind other EU capitals when it comes to widening access to college, writes Education Editor Sean Flynn.
According to a major new report, practical issues - especially problems with public transport - are now a "surprisingly prominent concern" for many poorer students who might consider proceeding to third-level. The report, to be launched today, recommends that students should no longer need Leaving Cert Irish and a foreign language to secure a place in college.
It says this requirement may block the way to college for poorer students.
The report, which is set to reignite the debate on the possible return of college fees, makes no recommendation on the fees issue. But one of its co-authors, Ms Anne Gallagher of NUI Maynooth, said she believed those who could afford to pay fees should be required to do so - provided the new funding was used to help widen access.
At present, NUI colleges like UCD and UCC require students to have achieved a pass in Leaving Cert Irish and in one foreign language to gain access to a third-level course.
Ms Gallagher said this requirement presented a barrier to students from "non-traditional" backgrounds and should be removed.
The report expresses concern about the low third-level participation rate in Dublin. "This is despite the convenient location of many third-level institutions, the investment in access initiatives and the increasingly integrated approach by colleges, area-based partnerships, schools and community groups."
The report finds that efforts to widen access through school initiatives in areas like Tallaght, Blanchardstown and Ballymun are working very well.
It reports a very positive feedback from both students and particularly from their parents.
But it warns: " In a climate of more restrained and selective public spending, the importance of continued significant public spending on redressing educational disadvantage must be maintained as a key principle."
The report makes several other recommendations. It says the Government should properly fund the new national office for access to third-level and provide adequate grant support to students.
It also wants to see more guidance counsellors in schools. The report, Power, Privilege and Points: The Choices and Challenges of Third Level Access in Dublin, was prepared by Ms Gallagher and Dr Ted Fleming of NUI Maynooth on behalf of the Dublin Employment Pact.
It will be formally launched at a major education conference in Dublin today.
Established five years ago, the Dublin Employment Pact is funded by the National Development Plan.
It examines labour and development issues in Dublin.