Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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151. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if Trinity College Dublin applied for funding under the Government's short-term activation programme for their 358-bed Dartry redevelopment project; if so, if the application was successful; if he will ensure that the project goes ahead without delay and that 30% of the beds therein are reserved at a more affordable rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25830/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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In April of this year, an Taoiseach and I announced €100m in additional capital under the National Development Plan that will support delivery of over 1,000 new and additional student beds, with delivery commencing in the 2025/2026 academic year.

This allocation enables the activation of Phase 1 of UCD’s stalled student accommodation project for delivery of 493 student beds in 2027/28.

It also provides funding for projects that previously received Government “approval in principle” to progress subject to due diligence and compliance assessments; Maynooth University to progress to onsite construction for delivery of 116 beds in 2025, and progression of the DCU project through the tender process for delivery of 405 beds in 2027.

The Short-Term Activation Programme under which these projects are being funded is the immediate response in advance of implementing the long-term policy focused on regional needs and responses. These are projects that had planning permission in place but which had stalled due to rising costs.

Trinity College Dublin (TCD) submitted a proposal under this short term activation measure for delivery of 358 beds on its Dartry campus. The proposal included provision for 30% of beds to be provided at below market rates for target cohort students. The project which has planning permission in place and has progressed through a due diligence assessment with the Higher Education Authority under the public spending code. Additional capital funding is required to progress this project to tender.

I am continuing to work across Government to identify potential sources of funding to progress the short and long term policies and programmes for student accommodation. My officials stand ready to engage with TCD for progression of this project should additional funding become available under the National Development Plan.

TCD currently has 1,834 on campus beds and avails of nominations agreements to increase supply. As of the end of May TCD has 140 room listings for digs accommodation.