Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
150. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to address the shortage of third level student accommodation; the measures being taken to ensure affordability of rents charged to students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37623/25]
View answerThe new Student Accommodation Strategy, which I will publish later this year, will focus on increasing the supply of student accommodation both, to benefit students, and to free up private rental homes.
This strategy will deliver a roadmap for how we fund, design, and deliver accommodation that is affordable, sustainable, and regionally balanced. This is a complex challenge. High construction costs, strong demographic growth in student numbers, and capacity constraints all contribute to the challenge.
To effectively address the challenges in student accommodation, we are employing four key tools: the development of standardised design approaches to improve efficiency and reduce costs; the use of enhanced supply and demand data to inform planning and investment decisions; the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme to support regionally balanced, institution-specific delivery models; and the national student accommodation survey to capture the lived experiences and needs of students across the country.
Alongside funding new construction, refurbishment, and long-term leasing of PBSA, we will support and promote the rent-a-room scheme to expand options for students. We are also examining commuting alternatives to accommodation close to campus.
I recently published the Design Guide for State Sponsored Student Accommodation. The Design Guide reflects feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring the design standards are both practical and responsive to real-world needs. It will support the efficient delivery of additional student accommodation that prioritises student wellbeing, provides long-term value for the State, and embodies high quality architectural design.
A key part of enabling our vision is ensuring that the Technological Sector can play a full role in developing student accommodation to meet the needs of students across the country. To support this, the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme is progressing. Proposals from the sector include the construction of new Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, leasing, nomination agreements, joint ventures and repurposing of vacant properties.
Targeted supports have also been introduced to address affordability. In 2023, €600,000 in Dormant Accounts Funding was allocated to support accommodation costs for Traveller and Roma students, and students with care experience. This scheme has supported 85 students to date and will continue with an additional €600,000 in funding for the 2025/26 academic year. Separately, an additional €440,000 has been added to the Student Assistance Fund to help students facing emergency housing issues during 2024/25, including transport costs where accommodation is unavailable.
