Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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192. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the level of funding is provided to subsidise the cost in delivering student accommodation for third level students, whether consideration would be given to subsidising the cost for students directly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26219/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Short-Term Activation Programme, funding was allocated to Higher Education Institutions with purpose-built student accommodation projects that had secured planning permission but had stalled due to viability challenges. As part of the funding conditions, a proportion of the new student beds will be ringfenced for students from target groups identified in the National Access Plan. These designated beds will be offered at a reduced rental rate to support access to higher education for underrepresented and disadvantaged students. The Short-Term Activation Programme is closed to new projects.

The Maynooth University 116-bed project required €4.2m in state funding, expected delivery is for the 2025/2026 academic year. The Government approved in principle €41m for the DCU 405-bed project and €67m for the UCD 493-bed project, both projects are in the tender phase.

The primary objective of the new Student Accommodation Strategy which is in development is to address affordability and supply of student accommodation. My focus is on delivering targeted interventions that advance equitable access to higher education. To effectively address the challenges in student accommodation, we are employing four key tools: the development of standardised design approaches to improve efficiency and reduce costs; the use of enhanced supply and demand data to inform planning and investment decisions; the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme to support regionally balanced, institution-specific delivery models; and the national student accommodation survey to capture the lived experiences and needs of students across the country.

My Department will continue to work closely with higher education institutions to develop and implement accommodation initiatives under this strategy. I intend to bring the Student Accommodation Strategy to Government later this year.