Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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39. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 50 of 27 February 2024, for an update on the plans to provide additional student accommodation units for students at the University of Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23053/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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As part of the Short-Term Activation Programme, the University of Galway (UG) received approval to progress a proposed leasing project for approximately 242 additional beds over 15 years, subject to review.

An assessment was commenced by the Higher Education Authority as part of the due diligence process, however during the ongoing assessment the proposal was withdrawn by the vendor.

University of Galway subsequently submitted a potential project proposal for leasing of approximately 272 beds. The HEA commenced assessment of this alternative proposal. The HEA was informed this month by the University of Galway that the project will not progress as the developer/landlord have advised that they can no longer commit to the proposal.

The Department will continue to engage with the University of Galway in relation to potential projects through the developing long term policy and strategy for Student Accommodation.

For the current academic year there are an additional 1,021 beds available in publicly funded Higher Education Institutions with 674 of these in University of Galway. In addition, as of the 30^th of April, HEIs have indicated that there are approximately 127 rooms available in Galway for digs accommodation.

The most recent Building Information data (April 2024) supplied by the Higher Education Authority indicates that since 2017, 1,739 new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds have been built in Galway. Work is underway on site on an additional 403 bed spaces and planning permission has been obtained for a further 1,669 beds.

The new Student Accommodation Strategy is in development following approval of the Long Term Policy earlier this year. This policy approach includes measures for increasing supply of student accommodation, reducing cost of delivery through development of standardised design guidance, and promoting efficient use of existing stock and vacancy while supporting balanced regional development. It will continue to have a focus on the provision of digs accommodation.