Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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1902. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when funding or a loan facility will be made available to Atlantic Technological University (Sligo Campus) to start construction of student units; when it is expected that the first units will be available for students to take up residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10846/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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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 study will identify potential opportunities to meet the future demand for student accommodation. Atlantic Technological University is actively participating in this study and a proposal has been submitted in relation to the campus in Sligo for consideration.

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.

For institutions, other than traditional universities, to borrow there would need to be a consultation process with the HEA. This would necessitate the establishment of an appropriate framework setting out the criteria, financial and non-financial, including governance, oversight and reporting to define the operational process through which such consent would be sought and obtained. Having passed those primary screening tests, the prospective borrowing entity would then be required to pass the relevant tests, procedures and requirements of the Housing Finance Agency before accessing borrowing funds.

The impacts, risks and responsibilities arising from such borrowing are key considerations in this context. In addition to accessing borrowing on commercially viable and appropriate terms such as would not adversely impact the financial position of TUs themselves or the wider public finances, as stated requisite oversight, risk evaluation, project management and attendant governance and regulatory processes would also need to be established.

The development of robust and adequate systems ensures that any proposed borrowing is rigorously examined to protect both exchequer funding and HEIs themselves.