Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully agree with Deputy Troy. I thank him for his support for the technological universities. It has made a real positive impact in Athlone and in the midlands. Just before I left the Department, we had gone out for proposals from the technological universities on what they could do on student accommodation. Those proposals are now back, and they are being assessed. I expect 2024 to be the year in which we can give the green light to our technological universities to commence student accommodation. The only caveat I would add is that we have an open mind on how best to do it. The borrowing framework is one way. If there are other quicker ways of delivering the accommodation, we should look at those too. I will get the Deputy an update from the Minister, however.

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