Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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1073. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills how he will expand implementation of student accommodation in other HEIs in Ireland, in particular, within the Technical University sector; and if this will become standard under the National Student Accommodation Strategy, given is to be completed this quarter. [17335/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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In the new Student Accommodation Strategy, which is in development, my focus will be on increasing the supply of student accommodation to benefit both students, and to free up private rental homes.

The objectives of the strategy are to:

• increase the 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.
• support balanced regional development through the Technological University (TU) Student Accommodation Programme.
• promote digs accommodation.

The TU Student Accommodation Programme, together with the standardised design study, will provide a framework of viable delivery models and potential funding options which may require approval by Government.

Budget 2025 saw an allocation of €6m in annual funding which will enable the activation of a leasing programme enabling the delivery of over 1,200 beds.

€500,000 was secured for a TU pilot programme focusing on a number of options to supplement student accommodation including sustainable travel and digs.

While a further €1m in recurrent funding was announced for dedicated administrative resources to support the development and implementation of the different policy responses for student accommodation across the Technological University sector and the regions. This funding will ensure that all strands of student accommodation are centrally managed, and a strategic standardised approach adopted across the sector.

It is my intention to bring the new strategy to Government later in Q2.