Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
141. 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 third level colleges and universities now in use; the number owned by each institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49817/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the provision of student accommodation, including that owned and operated by higher education institutions (HEIs), is a key priority for Government.
Based on the most recent data available to my Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA), there are over 49,200 purpose-built student accommodation beds nationally. About two-thirds in private ownership, while our higher education institutions provide more than 15,600 beds.
The table below illustrates the total inventory of student beds owned by HEIs at the end of May 2026.
|
Institution |
Bed spaces |
|
University College Dublin (UCD) |
4,187 |
|
University of Limerick (UL) |
2,934 |
|
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) |
1,834 |
|
University of Galway (UG) |
1,882 |
|
University College Cork (UCC) |
1,534 |
|
Dublin City University (DCU) |
1,443 |
|
Maynooth University (MU) |
1,262 |
|
South East Technological University (SETU – Waterford) |
426 |
|
Mary Immaculate College (MIC) |
146 |
|
Total |
15,648 |
