Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
47. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to report on the preparation of the long-term student accommodation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14609/25]
View answerThe new Student Accommodation Strategy is currently at development stage. In this strategy, my focus will be on increasing the supply of student accommodation to benefit students and to free up private rental homes.
I will focus on a combination of digs accommodation, examination of vacant properties, 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 report from these studies is expected early this year and it is my intention to deliver the Strategy in Q2 2025.
