Written answers
Thursday, 1 February 2024
Department of Education and Skills
Student Accommodation
Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
385. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to his appearance before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 24 January 2024, if he will clarify whether a proposal (details supplied) was made via an organisation or by the individual universities; and if the latter is the case, which universities made this request; the number of vacant or derelict buildings they have; the number of student beds which each university building could house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4677/24]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
As part of the long-term student accommodation policy, my Department is developing a devolved grant to provide assistance to repurpose existing HEI buildings and/or the refurbishment of vacant properties located close to HEI campuses.
Many HEIs are located in regional towns and cities where vacancy rates are high. Government policy in this area, through the “Town Centre First” policy document identifies the need to bring vibrancy back to town centres through residential development. Refurbished properties also benefit from a much lower carbon footprint than new build.
A survey of vacant and derelict properties is being undertaken by local authorities. The Vacant Homes Unit in the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage has provided data on vacancy and facilitated contact between DFHERIS and the Vacant Homes Officers in relevant local authorities, who have knowledge and information on relevant vacant properties. Through this continued engagement with local authorities it is anticipated that suitable vacant properties which could be used for student accommodation will be identified.
There is ongoing engagement and discussions between my Department and the Sector regarding student accommodation and a call for proposals for potential accommodation projects in or adjacent to Technological Universities is to open in the coming weeks.
Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
386. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to his appearance before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 24 January 2024, he stated that a union (details supplied) had endorsed his new Student Housing Policy, can he identify where such an endorsement can be found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4678/24]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
On the 24th of January, at the Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, I informed the Deputy that I had a meeting with the Union of Students in Ireland on the 18th of January, the day before I announced the long-term student accommodation policy.
As I stated, on the record, the USI described the policy as extremely welcome at this meeting. USI and I along with my officials will continue to engage on this policy development and matters of importance to our students as discussed at our meeting.
No comments