Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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864. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason technological universities have been refused permission to borrow for the construction of on campus student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6187/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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In 2023 funding was approved to assist the Technological Universities (TUs) in developing a student accommodation programme based on regional needs and feasibility assessments. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) appointed consultants to oversee and assess the levels of supply and demand for student accommodation across our public higher education institutions (HEIs).

The intention of the TU Feasibility Study is to develop a programmatic approach to facilitate future student accommodation proposals, within the Technological University sector. The study will identify potential opportunities to meet the future demand for student accommodation. A number of accommodation delivery mechanisms are being examined.

The TU feasibility study together with the ongoing Standardised Design study will provide a framework of viable delivery models, based on regional needs and feasibility assessments and potential funding options, including consideration of a TU borrowing framework, which will require approval by Government.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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865. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the publication of the new student accommodation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6200/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Increasing the supply of student accommodation is a priority for me and this Government. The objective of the new Strategy is to increase the supply of student accommodation, reduce the cost of delivery by developing standardised design guidance, promote efficient use of existing building stock through refurbishment and an examination of vacancy, while supporting balanced regional development by designing a Technological University Student Accommodation Programme.

The output from the Standardised Design Study and the Technological University Student Accommodation Programme will provide a framework of delivery models and funding options to inform the new Strategy and are expected in early 2025.

I intend on submitting the Strategy to Government in Q2 2025.