Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
224. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the date for the publication of the updated National Student Accommodation Strategy (2025-2035), which he committed to publish in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67789/25]
View answerThe National Student Accommodation Strategy 2025–2035 is now expected to be submitted to Government in the coming weeks, with publication anticipated shortly afterwards. The Strategy sets out a vision to make higher education more accessible and sustainable by addressing accommodation affordability and viability.
By providing targeted financial supports and accelerating the development of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), the Strategy aims to remove barriers that prevent students from pursuing their academic goals. It aims to deliver additional student beds by 2035, using a combination of On and Off Campus Purpose Built Student Accommodation and Rent-a-Room accommodation, without increasing reliance on the broader rental market.
The Strategy enables private sector investment by reforming rental legislation, reducing VAT, and introducing streamlined design standards under the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2025, creating a stable, attractive environment for investment. On campus development will be supported by the provision of a new envelope of National Development Plan funding for 2026-2030 to enable site servicing and private investment. Previous National Development Plans did not provide funding for student accommodation.
Affordability is supported through strengthened financial assistance, including through the Student Non-Adjacent Maintenance Grant, enabling equitable access for students from disadvantaged and remote backgrounds.
By providing targeted financial supports for students and supporting the acceleration of the development of purpose-built student accommodation, the Government removes barriers that prevent talented individuals from pursuing their academic goals. The measures in the Strategy support students to achieve their aspirations but also strengthen Ireland’s knowledge economy, which in turn supports our long-term economic growth.
