THE UPGRADING of Galway RTC's facilities at Cluain Mhuire, which were purchased in 1995, was due to commence last month at a cost of £1.55 million and is likely to continue until September at least.
Progress on Cluain Mhuire has been slow: the female toilets did not even have a tampon machine until last February.
"I think the sector is neglected," says Alan Kelly, president of Galway RTC students' union, which has responsibility for the art and design students situated in Cluain Mhuire.
Kelly points out that art and design students face high costs for paints, materials and tools, yet there is no recognition of these additional costs by the Department of Education.
"There's no provision there for money for them," he says. "It's very frustrating for them. They are a neglected part of the student sector.
"Things are getting better, but very slowly."
