Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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879. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to detail all options papers received from technological universities in relation to the development of student accommodation, including the date received, the current status of each, in tabular form, and the timeline for progression. [35965/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme (TSSAP) is currently progressing through the Infrastructure Guidelines Process, which includes a strategic assessment and preliminary business case.

Stage 1 of the TSSAP included the development of a supply and demand model and a programmatic approach for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to submit preliminary business cases for student accommodation.

As part of the first stage, HEIs submitted strategic assessment documents outlining proposed student accommodation projects last year. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) undertook an evaluation of this long-list and provided a report to my Department. Initial proposals included purpose-built student accommodation both on and off campus, leasing, joint ventures, and repurposing of vacant or derelict properties.

The second stage of the TSSAP will involve the development and assessment of the initial preliminary business cases (PBC) comprising of a PBC narrative, financial model, economic model and a multi-criteria analysis model.

The TSSAP will align with all criteria outlined within the Infrastructure Guidelines Process with regards evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects. Projects for progression under Stage 2 will align with this process, ensuring that locations are chosen based on strategic fit, feasibility, and alignment with national policy objectives.

I can confirm that the HEA, on behalf of my Department, is actively progressing the TSSAP, definitive timeline are not available at this stage of the process.

Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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880. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his Department’s plans to address the shortage of affordable student accommodation in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35966/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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A new Student Accommodation Strategy is currently in development and is due for completion later this year. The strategy is informed by comprehensive evidence gathered through the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme (TSSAP), a national initiative aimed at increasing the supply of student accommodation across Technological Universities (TUs). I recognise that TUs play a vital role in enhancing regional access to higher education and supporting balanced national development.

Stage 1 of TSSAP focused on strategic assessment, including a national supply and demand model. Institutions including South-East Technological University (SETU) Waterford submitted proposals exploring a range of delivery models, from purpose built accommodation and joint ventures to leasing and repurposing existing properties. These proposals were evaluated by the HEA and submitted to the Department for review.

The programme is now progressing through Stage 2, which involves the development of Preliminary Business Cases (PBCs). These include narratives, financial and economic models, and a multi-criteria analysis, in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines to ensure strategic alignment, feasibility, and value for money.

The Strategy will be underpinned by the findings of both the TSSAP and the Standardised Design Study, with the goal of establishing a clear and practical framework to support increased delivery of student accommodation.

Achieving long-term success will depend on strong public-private collaboration, leveraging innovative delivery models and financing mechanisms to provide cost-effective, high-quality accommodation for students across the country.