Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
14. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of units of student accommodation that are owned by the universities at present in the State; the number that are planned to be acquired or constructed by them within the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54659/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere 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.
This includes 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 further 3,000 beds between DCU and 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.
At the end of September, 1,637 beds were under construction nationwide. Planning permission has been granted for a further 15,132 beds, including 2,948 public beds. Just last month, I announced the allocation of €67 million in State funding to enable UCD to enter contract for the delivery of 493 of these beds.
Another major milestone in enabling an increase in supply was the publication of the Design Guide for State-Sponsored Student Accommodation in June, providing a clear framework for future developments.
The HEA is also advancing the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme, supporting project proposals across our campuses.
I will publish the new Student Accommodation Strategy later this year, which will prioritise increasing supply and enhancing affordability for students facing the greatest financial challenges.
