Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
29. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science given that he has committed to publishing a new student accommodation strategy in Q2 of 2025, when the new strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14565/25]
View answerIn the new Student Accommodation Strategy, which is in development, my focus will be on increasing the supply of student accommodation to benefit both students, and free up private rental homes.
I will focus on a combination of digs accommodation, examination of vacant property, and the development and leasing of purpose-built student accommodation.
I will also examine sustainable transport alternatives to accommodation close to campus.
The objectives of the Strategy are to:
• increase the supply of state supported student accommodation
• reduce the cost of delivery through development of standardised design guidance
• promote efficient use of existing building stock through refurbishment and an examination of vacancy
• support balanced regional development through a Technological University (TU) Student Accommodation Programme
• promote digs accommodation
The outcome of the Standardised Design Study and a Technological University Student Accommodation Programme will provide a framework of delivery models and funding options to inform the new Strategy. The reports from these studies are expected shortly.
I intend on delivering the Strategy later in Q2 2025.
