Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
903. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the short-term activation programme; the percentage of newly delivered beds that were reserved for priority groups identified under the national access plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27991/26]
View answerUnder the Short-Term Activation Programme (STAP), a total of 967 student accommodation beds have either been delivered, on site or are currently progressing through the relevant approval gates.
The first Short-Term Activation Programme (STAP) project was completed at Maynooth University, delivering 116 new beds for the 2025/26 academic year. At University College Dublin, a major 493- bed development is now on site. Trinity College Dublin’s 358 -bed development at Dartry is advancing towards approval gate 1.
As part of the funding conditions by providing direct capital funding, the programme enabled these developments to proceed, 30% of the student beds will be ringfenced for students from target groups identified in the National Access Plan. These designated beds will be offered at a reduced rental rate to support access to higher education for underrepresented and disadvantaged students.
