Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Last month, I received Government approval for my Department's long-term student accommodation policy approach. The long term vision is to ensure that availability of student accommodation and digs do not act as a barrier to accessing higher education. This policy aims to enable options to mitigate demand for accommodation given the increased accessibility of HEIs across the regions through the TU's and the role enhanced transport links can play.

Investment is being provided, through the HEA, to undertake a feasibility study for student accommodation in key regional areas, including County Clare. The objective of the feasibility study is to:

• establish an accurate “as is” account of available student accommodation supply available in private rented units, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and rent a room schemes;
• project future supply and demand for accommodation in both PSBA and private rented on a national and regional level and within each Technological University (TU) catchment area;
• and to progress proposals to meet the future demand for student accommodation through either new-build PSBA, leasing, acquisition or refurbishing/redevelopment of existing sites.

To date, the study has involved extensive data-gathering across all TUs, Universities and Colleges, comprising a data collection framework, 1-to-1 meetings with HEI representatives, and a centralised student survey on student accommodation. Phase two of the feasibility study commenced this month to design and assess a frame work for student accommodation for the TU sector and mechanisms for delivery of accommodation.

I also understand that all higher education institutions continue to support their students to find suitable accommodation. All institutions, including the Technological University of the Shannon, maintain online databases or private accommodation lists where students can search for accommodation, advertisements for room rentals can be placed and advice on sample rental agreements provided. Institutions are actively promoting this option in their localities. You can access TUS's listings here: tussu.ie/current-listings/