Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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70. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the provision of student accommodation in Carlow; if his Department has plans to expand the offering of accommodation to students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15710/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am actively addressing the difficulties faced by students in accessing affordable student accommodation.

On 29 November 2022, I secured Government approval for funding of €1 million to support Technological Universities in the development of student accommodation strategies and feasibility studies. These will help inform the level demand and potential sources of supply of accommodation in each region. It is envisaged that this analysis will encompass current and projected enrolments, student commuting patterns, and existing and planned student accommodation.

The only on-campus provision of purpose built student accommodation in the Technological University sector is the 426 bed facility at the Waterford campus of the South East Technological University. As a consequence of this, students in Technological Universities have relied almost completely on the private rental market for accommodation. The funding being made available will facilitate SETU in the development of proposals for future student accommodation.

A borrowing framework will be necessary to enable development of purpose built student accommodation by Technological Universities. My officials will engage with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Finance to advance this framework, informed by the options arising from the feasibility studies.

As well as development of purpose built student accommodation the promotion of digs accommodation and the Rent a Room Scheme and identification and reuse of vacant premises will be considered. My officials are also examining the expansion of the Capital Devolved Grant to provide assistance for the development or refurbishment of student accommodation.