Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the full reply that was given. I would also appreciate the opportunity to speak with the Minister, Deputy Harris, about this. I strongly welcome the consultation that is ongoing between the Department and the various third level institutions. It is important to recognise the national efforts to address this issue in terms of short-term activation measures. I see UCD being prominent this. There is also the ability to increase the number of people renting rooms. We also see other third level institutions pushing ahead with the construction of additional beds. There are 250 in Trinity College Dublin, 255 in University College Cork and 670 in the Leas-Cheann Comhairle’s own constituency in University College Galway.

I mentioned the two opportunities, but I am seeking to conclude my contribution tonight with two asks. I seek urgency from the Department in dealing with this issue overall and in dealing with this issue as it directly affects the State's largest third level institution. That is important to every factor of our social and economic development. We need to move beyond conversations with the third level institutions to practical, immediate actions that will see large-scale investment in on-campus accommodation that will match the level of investment and development of so many other on-campus sporting and educational facilities that have been extremely welcome over the last decade.

The other ask is straight to UCD. UCD needs to have the level of ambition that beholds the largest university in the State. I say that not just as a local Deputy for the area but as a proud graduate of UCD who thinks that the university should be leading by example, should not be letting other third level institutions lead and, most importantly, should do its duty to its students, staff and the people who live in the surrounding areas.

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