In light of being hailed this week as the county with the lowest cost when it comes to processing third level grants, Westmeath County Council has revealed that new grant applications have increased by 40 per cent in the past year.
According to a survey carried out by UCD students’ union, Westmeath has the lowest cost in the country when it comes to processing third level grants. While the cost of processing college grants in Westmeath was just €70 per person, the figure varied across the country reaching a high of €484 per person in North Tipperary.
However, Westmeath County Council says the survey is based on 2008 figures, and due to the increase in applications the cost is likely to be significantly higher for 2009.
“This year our costs are higher as applications have gone up due to people’s changing circumstances. In 2009 there were 290 new applications, while already in 2009 we have received 409 new applications,” explained administrative officer with Westmeath County Council corporate services, Patricia Gibney.
“The information we were asked to provide was for 2008, and was based on one and a quarter persons dealing with the application process. While last year there were 290 new applications and 350 renewals, this year there have been 409 new applications and 370 renewals.”
Meanwhile, the survey also revealed that, despite a total of €9 million being spent nationwide on processing grant applications, many students across the country will not receive the first instalment until after Christmas.
UCD students’ union says huge savings could be made by centralising the third level grants process, which is currently handled by 66 local authorities and Vocational Education Committees (VECs )
