Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
552. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update regarding construction of student units at Atlantic Technological University (Sligo Campus); when it is expected that the first units will be available for students to take up residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5333/26]
View answerThe forthcoming National Student Accommodation Strategy 2025-2035 aims to increase the supply of student accommodation beds for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions.
It will include viability measures to support the development of new accommodation without any additional recourse to the private rental market, and affordability supports for those students who need it most.
The Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme is underway to support the planning and development of HEI student accommodation across regional campuses, including at ATU Sligo. Feasibility studies were completed in 2023 and 2024 to assess supply and demand trends. Phase 2 involves development of preliminary business cases, including financial and operational models. This will ensure that future projects are strategically aligned, financially viable, and responsive to local demand.
