Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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36. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what funding is in place and available to the Atlantic Technological University to acquire student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23175/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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In November 2022, Government approved funding of €1m to assist the Technological University (TU) sector, including Atlantic Technological University, in developing a student accommodation programme based on a regional needs and feasibility assessments. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) appointed consultants to undertake this study which commenced in June 2023.

The study’s objective is to develop a programmatic approach to facilitate future TU student accommodation proposals. Demand analysis from the data collected in phase 1 of the study will inform a framework of delivery models and funding options as part of phase 2 of the study.

Following an extensive workshop with the HEA, attended by the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including Atlantic Technological University, preliminary business cases for student accommodation were sought by March 27th. These proposals which could include new build, leasing or acquisition or the re-use of vacant building stock are currently being evaluated by the HEA, with an output report due in Q2 2024. Work on shortlisted proposals, will progress throughout 2024 with final options to be presented to my Department in Q1 2025.

Any framework proposal will require approval by Government and the development of necessary safeguards to ensure that any capital programme of work will not impact upon the resources or financial position of the Technological Universities. We will work within the parameters of the public spending code to deliver on state supported student accommodation provision.