Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

477. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on his Department's activities in assisting third-level institutions in the construction of student accommodation; his projected schedule for implementing suggestions relating to a new model in which the State would assist in the provision of student accommodation; if he and his Department will fund the construction of student accommodation for Mary Immaculate College, Thurles and for students attending the TUS Campus at Thurles and Clonmel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7418/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am actively addressing the difficulties faced by students in accessing affordable student accommodation.

In recognition of the construction cost challenges and associated impact on affordability of student accommodation, on 29 November 2022, I secured Government approval to develop both short and medium term policy responses to activate supply of affordable student accommodation.

These landmark policy responses will, for the first time, see the state providing financial support for the construction of student accommodation, and underpins the policy commitments set out in Housing for All and the National Access Plan. They will ensure increased availability of and promote greater access to student accommodation, in particular for disadvantaged students.

The short term focus is on projects where planning permission is in place and designs are at an advanced stage. Government has approved funding support to develop accommodation for students of the University of Limerick, Maynooth University and the University of Galway, subject to the necessary completion of due diligence, procurement, legal arrangements and requirements of the public spending code.

The Department is continuing to examine additional proposals with planning permission with potential phasing options at DCU, UCD and TCD.

In addition, support of €1m is being provided to our Technological Universities (TUs) to conduct a needs assessment and to identify appropriate regional activation responses. Students in Technological Universities and some college locations have relied almost completely on private rental for accommodation. The funding being provided will provide consultancy support to undertake a cohesive and regional focused feasibility study for each area. This will provide the basis for an appropriate response to be developed along with business cases for student accommodation. My Department looks forward to inviting applications and further engagement with regional higher education providers for such proposals later this year.

My Department recognises that given the varying regional locations, a range of accommodation options will need to be considered. As well as development of purpose built student accommodation the promotion of digs accommodation and identification and reuse of vacant premises will be considered. With regard to the latter, a number of premises will be subject to further consideration.