Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
141. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 4 of 22 May 2025, for an update on the developments made to increase the provision of student accommodation in Galway; when the new national student accommodation strategy due in quarter 2 of 2025 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37606/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to ensuring that the development of viable student accommodation continues with urgency and ambition. I will publish a new student accommodation strategy later this year, which aims to build a fairer, more sustainable system, where cost and availability are no longer barriers to entry or progression through higher education.
This strategy will deliver a roadmap for how we fund, design, and deliver accommodation that is affordable, sustainable, and regionally balanced. This is a complex challenge. High construction costs, strong demographic growth in student numbers, and capacity constraints all contribute to the problem.
I recently published the Design Guide for State Sponsored Student Accommodation. The Design Guide reflects feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, ensuring the design standards are both practical and responsive to real-world needs. It will support the efficient delivery of additional student accommodation that prioritises student wellbeing, provides long-term value for the State, and embodies high quality architectural design.
A key part of enabling our vision is ensuring that the Technological Sector can play a full role in developing student accommodation to meet the needs of students across the country. To support this, the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme is progressing. Proposals from the sector include the construction of new Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, leasing, nomination agreements, joint ventures and repurposing of vacant properties. ATU Galway is participating in this programme.
My Department will continue to work closely with higher education institutions to develop and implement accommodation initiatives under this strategy.
