Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
198. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update as of May 2026 on the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34347/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 was approved by Government and published on the 24th March my Department has been focused on activation.
The existing Technological University focused programme has been expanded to include other publicly funded universities.
• Phase One is now underway in respect of Cork, Dublin and Galway. Its work is being guided by advisory board nominees from participating universities.
• The programme consists of both market facing and university facing elements. Market facing work is being supported by the National Development Finance Agency.
• New Era and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation are assisting my department establish the parameters of potential nominations agreements for technological universities.
• The HEA is working with our universities on detailed site assessments for potential on-campus development of PBSA and has received initial site plans for Phase One technological university proposals.
This programme will continue on an agile and iterative basis to achieve a mix of viable projects that meet the needs of stakeholders.
Research has been commissioned in respect of rent-a-room/digs accommodation which will inform the expansion of this important source of supply.
Each Higher Education Institution is required to prepare its own student accommodation strategy aligned with the national Strategy, and to report annually on progress and outcomes. Higher Education Institution’s will also establish dedicated accommodation functions, supported by the Department.
In respect of affordability the Strategy targets an increase in direct support for students. Funding secured in Budget 2026 will see non adjacent SUSI maintenance grants increase by €200-€430 from September 2026 with students this academic year seeing a pro-rata increase.
In broader terms I am pleased that commencement notices have issued for 2,935 student beds currently under construction nationwide, including 493 beds at UCD funded under the Departments Short Term Activation Programme. This demonstrates the impact of measures referenced in the strategy, including reforms to rent regulation and VAT reductions.
The Department will carry out a formal review of implementation of the Strategy every three years to assess progress and update actions where required.
