Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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853. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the public funding with respect to each of the universities, technological universities and colleges for the provision of new-build student accommodation; the number of units; the public contribution and the timeline for their completion, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42803/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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My Department is progressing both short and longer term student accommodation policy responses under the Housing for All plan.

Through Budget 2025 I secured €6million annual recurrent funding to support the activation of up to 1,200 student accommodation beds in regional campus locations. A leasing programme is being developed as a key deliverable arising from the TU student accommodation study. At least thirty percent of beds delivered through this programme will be provided at below market rate to target cohort students.

In addition, €1million in annual funding has been secured to provide staffing resources in the sector to build a dedicated capacity examining and addressing campus needs regarding student accommodation and supports for students in accessing accommodation.

A further €500,000 will be invested in developing campus action plans to identify and address accommodation and sustainable transport needs for the colleges and students in accessing their education.

This builds on the investment of €100 million of state support for the first time to deliver student accommodation through the National Development Plan under my Department’s short term activation programme.

This funding enabled activation of UCD’s student accommodation project for delivery of 493 beds. Construction is planned to commence on this project in 2025 subject to successful completion of due diligence assessments and the tender process.

The funding also enabled progression of projects at Maynooth University, and Dublin City University. The Maynooth project is currently at construction stage with expected delivery of 116 beds in September 2025. DCU’s project is progressing through the tender process, and subject to successful completion of this process is expected onsite in quarter 1, 2025.