Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
781. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures taken to support and expand student accommodation during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73566/25]
View answerA key achievement in 2025 was the delivery of additional purpose-built student accommodation under the Short-Term Activation Programme. Through robust due diligence and value-for-money assessments, investment decisions were refined to ensure sustainability, resulting in 967 additional student beds either delivered or actively progressing by year-end.
Significant institutional milestones were achieved, with Maynooth University completing a 116-bed project, University College Dublin advancing a 493-bed development with approval to proceed to construction in September 2025, and Trinity College Dublin progressing its project. Together, these projects will deliver meaningful short-term accommodation capacity in high-demand locations.
The decision not to proceed with the Dublin City University 405-bed project further demonstrated strong governance and a commitment to ensuring all developments meet cost and value-for-money standards. Parallel progress was achieved through the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme (TSSAP), which is laying the foundations for longer-term, regionally balanced delivery. Phase 1 of the programme, completed in 2025, generated 53 strategic proposals from Technological Universities nationwide. These proposals now inform Phase 2, which is developing preliminary business cases, including financial and operational models, to ensure future projects are evidence-based, financially viable, and aligned with local student demand. 2025 also saw positive outcomes from targeted student supports.
The Student Accommodation Assistance Scheme, funded through Dormant Accounts, continued to support Traveller, Roma, and care-experienced students to access and remain in higher education. In the 2024/25 academic year, 29 students graduated, including two who progressed to Master’s programmes, while 47 students continued on their courses. These outcomes underline the tangible impact of targeted accommodation support on student retention, progression, and success.
The Student Accommodation Strategy (2025- 2035) will be brought to Government in the coming weeks, The strategy sets out a clear vision to improve access to higher education by addressing accommodation affordability and viability. Through targeted student supports and accelerated delivery of purpose-built student accommodation, it removes barriers to participation, supports student aspirations, and strengthens Ireland’s knowledge economy. Collaboration with higher education institutions, developers, and Government partners will enable a sustainable, inclusive approach that supports long-term economic growth.
