Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

193. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18181/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This Government is committed to removing accommodation as a barrier to education. In November 2022, the Government approved the development of both a short and long term policy responses to increase the supply of student accommodation. In the short term, as part of this response, Government supported the activation of student accommodation projects in our Universities with planning permission that had stalled due to cost viability challenges.

As part of the recent NDP windfall announcement by Minister Donohoe, Student Accommodation has been prioritised and allocated €100m in windfall funding which will enable progression of a 493 bed project in UCD, a 405 bed project in DCU and 116 beds in Maynooth University. In addition, the Department is continuing to engage with Trinity College Dublin in relation to a potential 358 bed project. Assessment is going on project proposals at University of Galway and University of Limerick.

These short-term activation measures under which these projects are being funded, is the immediate response in advance of implementing the long-term policy, which focuses on regional needs and responses.

The long term policy on student accommodation 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.

This includes the next phase of the TU study which will assess mechanisms for delivery of student accommodation with a key regional focus with each technological University and an assessment of option proposals is being undertaken by the HEA currently. In addition the standardised design review will promote the development of a model of accommodation which demonstrates value for money and affordability.

To inform the policy and future strategies phase one involved extensive data-gathering across all TUs, Universities and Colleges, comprising a data collection framework, one to one meetings with HEI representatives, and a centralised student survey on student accommodation.

In recognition of the immediate of students my officials and I are working with Government colleagues to extend the rent a room scheme and ensure sustainable transport links are available in campus locations.