Cork City came to a complete standstill last Thursday (October 9) when thousands of students took to the streets of Cork to voice their opposition to the reintroduction of third level fees.

More than 5,000 students from universities from across Munster joined forces to march through the cities streets waving banners which criticised moves to bring back third level fees such as "No to Batty politics" and "Batman is Robin students."

The protest started at Cork Institute of Technology in Bishopstown before making it's way along University College Cork and down into the centre's St Patrick's Street and the Grand Parade and could not fail but, to attract significant attention from businesses, shoppers, motorists and the national media.

USI President Shane Kelly said that the protest was organised to send a clear message to the Minister, that students will not stand for any re-introduction of third level fees or indeed any other attempt at introducing fees via a back door system.

"The Minister has signalled his intent to heap further financial pressure on families already struggling with the cost of college. Not only would the return of fees be a disaster for students and their families, but it would put at risk the very idea of our knowledge economy by placing a barrier in front of those wishing to further their education," he said.

Students Unions have stressed that Thursday's protest is just the beginning of their campaign to ensure that third level fees are not re-introduced.

The Minister for Education, Batt O'Keeffe TD has continued to insist that if fees are re-introduced this will only affect the highest earners. It's expected that the Minister will bring proposals on this before cabinet in the next six to 12 months.

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