Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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19. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline his Department’s efforts to increase and accelerate provision of student accommodation in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13979/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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As part of the Student Accommodation Short-Term Activation Programme, the University of Galway (UG) received approval to progress a leasing project for approximately 242 additional beds over 15 years. An assessment was commenced by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) as part of the due diligence process, however during the assessment the proposal was withdrawn by the vendor.

The University of Galway subsequently submitted a proposal for leasing of approximately 272 beds. The HEA commenced assessment of this alternative proposal. The HEA was informed by the University of Galway during the assessment, this proposal was also withdrawn by the vendor.

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 TU feasibility study is progressing in tandem with the Standardised Design study 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 which will be incorporated into the Long Term Student Accommodation Strategy which is due for publication in Q2 2025.