Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 April 2026
254. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding the provision of additional student accommodation and costing strategy to ensure that it is affordable for families, particularly those who do not qualify for higher education grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22092/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to publish the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 last month. The Strategy, which is available on the government’s website, sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges, accommodation supply and viability and accommodation affordability.
Since 2017, 16,266 PBSA beds have been completed nationwide, bringing total stock to over 49,200. As of the end of March 2026, Commencement notices have issued for 2,735 student beds and 14,233 student beds have planning permission.
Affordability of student accommodation is supported through a range of financial assistance schemes, including the SUSI Student Grant Scheme (with non-adjacent grants targeting students living 30 km or more from their HEI), the PATH 2 1916 Bursary, Student Accommodation Assistance, and the Student Assistance Fund. The strategy commits to targeting these supports for increases in line with the annual estimates process. Combined, these supports provide €176 million annually.
Applicants who do not qualify for higher education grants can avail of the rent tax credit, which offers up to €2,000 per year for jointly assessed couples or €1,000 for single applicants. Budget 2026 significantly increased the SUSI non-adjacent maintenance supports for students whose home is 30km or more from their Higher Education Institution benefiting 30,000 eligible plc/undergraduate and postgraduate students. From September 2026 SUSI non-adjacent grant rates will increase by between €200-€430 with students this academic year seeing a pro-rata increase.
In addition, rent a room accommodation which plays an integral role as part of the housing solution for students will be an important competent in increasing overall supply. As of March 2026, circa 4,800 rent a room student beds were advertised through higher education institutions nationwide
The Strategy and the measures already implemented under Budget 2026 underline my determination to reduce the cost of education to support students to achieve their educational ambitions.
