Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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53. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on plans to provide additional student accommodation for the students of Galway; when the new national student accommodation strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14545/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the Student Accommodation Short-Term Activation Programme, the University of Galway received approval to progress a proposed leasing project for approximately 242 additional beds over 15 years, subject to review.

An assessment was commenced by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) as part of the due diligence process, however during the ongoing assessment the proposal was withdrawn by the vendor.

The University of Galway subsequently submitted a potential project proposal for leasing of approximately 272 beds and The HEA commenced assessment of this alternative proposal. The HEA was informed in May 2024 by the University of Galway that the project will not progress as the developer/landlord advised that they can no longer commit to the proposal.

Separately, the University of Galway opened 674 new beds at Dunlin Village for the 2023/2024 academic year, and on Queen Street over 300 new beds are in development by the private sector supported by ISIF.

The Department will continue to engage with the University of Galway in relation to potential projects through the new Student Accommodation Strategy.

The strategy will include measures to increase the supply of student accommodation, reduce the cost of delivery through standardised design guidance and promote efficient use of existing building stock through refurbishment and an examination of vacancy, while supporting balanced regional development through a Technological University (TU) student accommodation programme.

The strategy will be published in Q2 2025.