The number of students opting for alcohol-free accommodation on the University College Cork (UCC) campus has risen this year.

According to the university, 24 students - 16 females and eight males - have opted for this type of accommodation, compared to six last year. Reasons for signing up for this included a desire to concentrate on studying and not wanting to live in an environment where alcohol was present.

Eight of the students are Irish while the remainder come from a number of countries, including Germany, France, India, Australia and Canada.

The university said that this is just one part of a bigger strategy aimed at supporting student wellbeing and reducing possible alcohol-related harm.

"As we welcome new and returning students to UCC, it is important to stress that we take their wellbeing, and our role in the local community, very seriously, as demonstrated by the variety of initiatives in place. I encourage students to enjoy their first week in UCC, but to also be respectful and mindful of those around them in the wider community, whilst also looking out for one another," commented UCC head of student experience, Dr Ian Pickup.