We were delighted to be shortlisted at the inaugural Re-Turn Awards, which took place in Croke Park on Wednesday, 3rd of June. Current MISU President Jayde Ryan and MISU Vice-President for Student Experience & Wellbeing Nat Horan (pictured) attended the event on behalf of MISU.
The Re-Turn Awards were open to all third-level institutions across Ireland, and MISU was shortlisted in the Re-Turn Co-Campus Collaboration Award category.
Beginning in September 2025, we installed Deposit Return Scheme donation bins on both campuses with the support of the MIC Estates & Sustainability department. The initiative aims to encourage students, staff and visitors to donate their used bottles and cans through the Deposit Return Scheme, with all funds raised going directly towards the MISU Student Welfare Fund.
We were delighted to see the initiative recognised at a national level. The project not only encourages sustainable habits across both campuses but also helps raise valuable funds to support students experiencing financial difficulties.
There are currently three donation points on the Limerick Campus and one on the Thurles Campus. As of April 2026, a total of 2,612 bottles and cans had been donated, which has raised a total of €424.20 for the MISU Student Welfare Fund.
The MISU Student Welfare Fund is available to students who are experiencing a financial emergency and require short-term support. Students can apply to the fund once per academic year, and there is no requirement to submit supporting documentation. All that is needed is completion of the application form. More information can be found here.
As of May 2026, we have provided €9,500 in financial support to students through the Student Welfare Fund.
Since the beginning of the 2025/26 academic year, 74 students have received €100 in emergency funding, totalling €7,400. In addition, we have provided 13 Leap Card top-ups worth €25 each, totalling €325, and 71 Circle K vouchers worth €25 each, totalling €1,775.
We would like to thank everyone who has supported the initiative by donating their bottles and cans. Every donation, no matter how small, helps to support fellow students while also contributing to a more sustainable campus community.