Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2026
735. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide funding for public owned college student accommodation in Tralee, County Kerry, given that currently all student beds in Tralee are privately owned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70550/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the importance of ensuring an adequate supply of affordable and sustainable student accommodation across all regions, including Tralee, County Kerry.
The National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035, published in March 2026, provides the framework for increasing student accommodation capacity, improving affordability and supporting the long-term delivery of student accommodation nationwide. The Strategy notes that lessons were learned following a Short-Term Activation Programme, which provided Government funding to assist in the delivery of around 1,000 new PBSA beds., namely that the cost per bed under the programme indicated a funding level that would be untenable for the State, given the projected requirement of 42,000 addition student beds by 2035.
A key initiative under the Student Accommodation Strategy is the Higher Education Institution Student Accommodation Programme (HSAP), which is being advanced by my Department in partnership with the Higher Education Authority and the National Development Finance Agency. The programme will assist HEIs in securing additional Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) capacity, through private development, delivering accommodation on or near campus via nomination agreements, licensed sites, and site servicing arrangements.
While the initial phase of the programme focuses on the larger university centres of Dublin, Cork and Galway, subsequent phases will extend to a number of regional locations, including Tralee, ensuring that student accommodation requirements across the country are considered as the programme develops.
Implementation will be overseen through an Inter-Departmental Implementation Group, which will provide coordination and oversight across Government, higher education institutions and other stakeholders.
In parallel, the Government continues to support additional accommodation supply through the Rent-a-Room Scheme. As at the end of Q3, there were 5,099 student beds being advertised through higher education institutions nationally, including 561 beds in County Kerry.
Nationally, the supply of purpose-built student accommodation continues to expand. Since 2017, 16,704 PBSA beds have been completed nationwide, bringing total stock to over 49,700 beds. As of the end of August 2026, commencement notices have issued for 3,154 student beds. Planning permission has been granted for 15,815 beds with 1,111 beds awaiting a planning decision.
