Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
91. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase delivery of student accommodation in Thurles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50245/26]
View answerI am very aware of how the supply and affordability of accommodation is impacting students across the country, including in Tipperary.
Earlier this year, I published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035 following Government Approval. The Strategy sets out a clear pathway to improve access to higher education by addressing two key challenges: the supply and viability of student accommodation, and its affordability.
To address supply and viability the strategy sets out a balanced approach including:
• A commitment to long term State-backed measures to activate supply, working in partnership with the private sector. We are already seeing increases in commencement notices for Purpose Built Student Accommodation across the country since the Government introduced Vat reductions on the sale of new apartments and new measures in relation to planning guidelines and rent reforms.
• Support for the development of accommodation on public campuses as well as on private sites near to campus, subject to State Aid clearance. In this connection, a new Higher Education Institution Student Accommodation Programme (HSAP) is being rolled out supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA).
This programme will enable Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to have access to increased Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) beds by:
• Supporting private developers to build PBSA on or near campus through a combination of nomination agreements, licensed sites and site servicing.
• The development of a mechanism, in line with relevant Departmental consents, to support Technological Universities enter into nomination agreements with the private sector.
• The enhanced supply of student beds through promotion of Rent-a-Room accommodation. In respect of Rent-A-Room/Digs Accommodation research is ongoing, the results of which will feed into an advertising campaign during the summer with the aim of promoting an immediate increase in advertised beds.
I understand that Mary Immaculate College Thurles has 36 single ensuite bedrooms located onsite and as of the end of June, 213 digs beds are being advertised in Thurles. I recently visited Thurles where I met with Higher Education providers including Mary I. I understand that there is desire to expand student accommodation in the region and I encouraged Higher Education providers to engage proactively with this new programme by submitting and progressing student accommodation proposals.
