Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)
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1699. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the timeline for his plans to deliver a stand-alone strategy for the delivery of purpose-built student accommodation in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46355/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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A new Student Accommodation Strategy is in development following Government approval of the long-term Policy in January 2024. The Strategy aims to increase supply of state supported student accommodation, reduce the cost of delivery through development of standardised design guidance, promote efficient use of existing building stock through refurbishment and an examination of vacancy, while supporting balanced regional development through the Technological University (TU) Feasibility study.

The intention of the TU Feasibility Study is to develop a programmatic approach to facilitate future Technological University student accommodation proposals. The results of the TU Feasibility study will determine what opportunities are available to meet the future demand for student accommodation through either new-build PBSA, leasing, acquisition, refurbishing or redevelopment of existing sites. A number of accommodation delivery mechanisms are being examined.

The Standardised Design Study will be key to establishing best practice and value for money for the State, ensuring affordability of additional supply for students. The TU Feasibility study is progressing in tandem with the Standardised Design Study for student accommodation, to enable a viable design model for state supported student accommodation based on regional needs and feasibility assessments.

The outcomes of these studies will provide a framework of delivery models and funding options to inform the new Strategy and are expected in early 2025. It is intended that the Strategy will be delivered in Q2 2025.