Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
2606. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the quantity of third level purpose built student accommodation in each year from 2018 to date; by location ; by higher education institution and private organisation properties, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1501/26]
View answerHousing for All includes specific actions to develop short-term state supports to activate the construction of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), alongside the design of a long-term policy framework for sustained state involvement in the sector.
There are approximately 49,000 purpose-built student accommodation beds nationally. About two-thirds in private ownership, while our higher education institutions provide more than 15,600 beds.
The bedspaces in the public HEIs are located as follows: 4,187 beds at UCD, 2,934 at the University of Limerick, around 1,850 each at Trinity College and the University of Galway and a approximately 1500 at DCU and 1500 beds at UCC. Maynooth University now has 1,262 beds which includes the 116 beds completed under my Department's Short-Term Activation Programme this year. The South East Technological University owns 426 beds in Waterford, while MIC has 146 beds across Limerick and Tipperary.
In the short term, my focus has been on enabling stalled PBSA projects with secured planning permission to proceed, addressing viability challenges that have hindered delivery.
With €100 million allocated the Short-Term Activation Programme was introduced as the direct response to this commitment, providing targeted funding to Higher Education Institutions to accelerate the construction of new PBSA. As part of the funding conditions, a proportion of these beds will be ring-fenced for students from target groups identified in the National Access Plan and offered at reduced rental rates.
|
Institution |
Beds |
Status |
Funding |
|
Maynooth University |
116 |
Completed (Sept 8) |
Under Short-Term Activation Programme |
|
University College Dublin (UCD) |
493 |
Approved for construction |
€67 million |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
358 |
Gate 1 approval (early stage) |
Under Short-Term Activation Programme |
The Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme is progressing. This programme will ensure that projects are evidence-based, regionally targeted, and provide sustainable, additional accommodation for the Technological Sector.
Stage 1 of this programme involved the submission of strategic assessment documents, exploring a range of delivery models, including purpose-built student accommodation both on and off campus, leasing, joint ventures, and the re-purposing of vacant properties. The second phase will focus on developing and evaluating preliminary business cases in line with the forthcoming Student Accommodation Strategy.
The programme follows the Infrastructure Guidelines Process to ensure all projects are rigorously assessed for strategic fit, feasibility, and alignment with national policy objectives.
The Student Accommodation Strategy 2025–2035, to be published early in 2026, will set out a clear national framework to deliver sustainable, affordable student housing over the next decade.
The Strategy is built on two pillars: increasing the supply of new beds and strengthening affordability supports for students under financial pressure.
