Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
879. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to detail all options papers received from technological universities in relation to the development of student accommodation, including the date received, the current status of each, in tabular form, and the timeline for progression. [35965/25]
View answerThe Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme (TSSAP) is currently progressing through the Infrastructure Guidelines Process, which includes a strategic assessment and preliminary business case.
Stage 1 of the TSSAP included the development of a supply and demand model and a programmatic approach for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to submit preliminary business cases for student accommodation.
As part of the first stage, HEIs submitted strategic assessment documents outlining proposed student accommodation projects last year. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) undertook an evaluation of this long-list and provided a report to my Department. Initial proposals included purpose-built student accommodation both on and off campus, leasing, joint ventures, and repurposing of vacant or derelict properties.
The second stage of the TSSAP will involve the development and assessment of the initial preliminary business cases (PBC) comprising of a PBC narrative, financial model, economic model and a multi-criteria analysis model.
The TSSAP will align with all criteria outlined within the Infrastructure Guidelines Process with regards evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects. Projects for progression under Stage 2 will align with this process, ensuring that locations are chosen based on strategic fit, feasibility, and alignment with national policy objectives.
I can confirm that the HEA, on behalf of my Department, is actively progressing the TSSAP, definitive timeline are not available at this stage of the process.
