Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
1260. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to establish a Funding Programme to activate derelict sites identified in Local Authority registers for student accommodation development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34257/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035, which sets out a clear pathway to improve access to higher education by addressing two core challenges: accommodation supply and viability, and affordability.
The Strategy responds to the supply challenge through a suite of targeted measures, including a commitment to long-term, State-backed interventions to activate supply in partnership with the private sector. It supports the development of student accommodation on public campuses and on private sites close to campuses, subject to State Aid clearance. It also provides for the development of a framework, in line with relevant Departmental consents, to enable universities to enter nomination agreements with private providers, alongside enhanced supply through promotion of Rent-a-Room accommodation.
My officials have already engaged extensively with the technological sector, where proposals have been developed and will be progressed on a phased basis this year, beginning in our main cities and subsequently expanding nationwide.
The Higher Education Institutions Student Accommodation Programme, funded under the National Development Plan, is the principal delivery mechanism for the Strategy. Progress to date includes the expansion of the existing programme, previously focused on technological universities, to incorporate traditional universities. HEI presidents have been briefed, and a sectoral advisory board has been established.
Phase One of the Programme is now underway in Cork, Dublin and Galway, supported by the National Development Finance Agency. NewERA and the Department of Public Expenditure are assisting in establishing parameters for nomination agreements, while the Higher Education Authority is supporting detailed site assessments.
Initial site plans for Phase One technological university proposals have been received, a number of which relate to the development of vacant or derelict sites and buildings. A list of Vacant Homes Officers in each local authority was shared with the technological universities as part of TSSAP and all have confirmed that they investigated the potential of derelict or vacant properties for reuse.
