Given the current uncertainty about COVID over the winter period, and remembering the catastrophic surge in cases and deaths early in 2021, we as students ask that the DkIT winter exams should be held online once again for the safety of students and staff.

While measures are in place on campus such as social distancing and face coverings, many students will be required to travel for exams. Public transport remains at 100% capacity and some students must take multiple buses or trains to get to campus, increasing possible exposure. Louth continues to have an incidence rate above the national average, with two Dundalk areas surrounding the campus having some of the highest incidence rates in the country. It is not fair or reasonable to require students to travel to campus given these facts.

We understand that management is keen to resume normal campus life, and we are too. However, the balance of risk must be carefully considered with students' voices included in the decision making. For us, the risk is too high with an accepted and viable option available by holding online exams. At the time of writing, 10 third level institutions have moved exams online and we ask DkIT to do the same immediately.