Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
143. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on student accommodation in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48948/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Student Accommodation Strategy which I published in March 2026, outlines a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two key challenges, accommodation supply and viability and accommodation affordability.
Development of a student accommodation programme supported by the Higher Education Authority and the National Development Finance Agency is underway. This programme will enable Higher Education Institutions in Galway to have access to increased purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) by supporting private developers to build PBSA on or near campus through a combination of nomination agreements, licensed sites and site servicing. The programme is being rolled out in phases with Galway included in phase 1.
The rent a room digs campaign will run again in advance of this coming academic year . As of June 2026, over 5,000 rent a room beds were advertised nationwide, including 317 beds in Galway.
University of Galway currently has 1,882 student beds with existing planning for a further 1,562 beds.
In terms of the Galway specific pipeline as of the end of May, commencement notices have issued for 1,533 student beds which includes 345 beds under development on Queen Street through private sector investment supported by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund. Additionally, there is a further 293 privately owned student beds in Galway have that have been granted planning permission.
