Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
216. 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. [67823/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme is underway to support the planning and development of HEI student accommodation across regional campuses. Feasibility studies were completed in 2023 and 2024 to assess supply and demand trends.
Under Phase 1, the Technological Sector submitted strategic proposals to the Higher Education Authority outlining potential delivery models.? The Technological University of the Shannon submitted two proposals for Thurles under the this programme. Preliminary Business Cases for selected projects are expected to be submitted in 2026.??? This programme will ensure that projects are evidence-based, regionally targeted, and provide sustainable, additional accommodation for our Technological Sector.
My Department will continue to work closely with the entire sector to develop and implement accommodation initiatives under this strategy.
