Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy used the example of the North Quays project. We gave a commitment to Waterford that precedes this Government. The Deputy mentioned how this goes back to the former Minister, Martin Cullen. We have delivered on that, however. The most significant investment in the region is through the urban regeneration and development fund. People can see the colour of our money in that space and that we made good on our commitments.

As I said, the Minister, Deputy Harris, met the chair of the university last week and discussions are ongoing. Those discussions were specifically around plans to develop additional student accommodation. This Government, in our programme for Government but also in Housing for All, made a commitment to allow the technological universities to borrow and we are doing that. The borrowing frameworks are being put in place. That is a big change. We have an opportunity now to provide purpose-built affordable student accommodation in our technological universities right across the country. I can assure the Deputy that Waterford will not be left out. Those discussions are detailed and ongoing. We will keep the Deputy apprised of the progress. I thank him for his support in that regard.

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