Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In November 2022 I secured Government approval for a new policy to provide State assistance to stimulate the supply of student accommodation for public higher education institutions. The Student Accommodation long-term policy was approved by Government on the 16th January 2024. This policy will inform future student accommodation strategies and schemes which will be developed throughout 2024.

To date, as a short term measure the Government has approved in principle a total of up to €61m in funding to unlock the development of up to 1,000 beds across a number of higher education institutions. Both DCU (405 beds) and MU (116 beds) have progressed to tender stage and are expected to commence construction this year subject to the necessary approvals. A project at UL is under assessment by the Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

The Department is continuing to examine larger scale projects, including phasing options. UCD has permission to develop up to 1,254 beds, with an option of a phase 1 delivery of 493 beds. TCD has planning permission to deliver 358 beds on its Dartry campus. DCU has planning permission for a further 830 beds (Phase 2) on the Glasnevin campus. These projects are currently being assessed.

The Department continues to engage with DPENDR regarding funding for these larger scale projects under the NDP negotiations The Department and the HEA will work through the financial and governance due diligence process for these projects if State funding is approved by Government. For the current academic year, DCU had 1,455 beds, UCD had 4,154, UL had 2,934 and TCD had 1,843 plus an additional 639 beds under a nomination agreement.

Bed Numbers	DCU	TCD	UCD	UL
Existing	1,455	1,843*	4,154	2,934

* Not including nomination agreements for 639 beds