USI said the re-affiliation of the NUI Maynooth would add considerably to the organisation’s strength.

“I am delighted that the students of NUIM have decided that the Union of Students in Ireland is a worthwhile investment for their future. We welcome back NUIM to the organisation wholeheartedly,” said USI president Peter Mannion.

“Having NUIM back in USI will bring about a new and enthusiastic viewpoint to the union.

“As we address important issues - such as the funding of higher education and restrictions in the Student Maintenance Grant - we are delighted that we will advocate for our students as a more unified movement,” Mannion said.

USI is the sole national representative body for nearly 300,000 students in Ireland. For the past 50 years, the union has striven for the rights of students nationwide. It has successfully campaigned on a range of issues, such as increases in the availability of grant aid and the abolition of tuition fees.