Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
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14. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of units of student accommodation that are owned by the universities at present in the State; the number that are planned to be acquired or constructed by them within the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54659/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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There are approximately 49,000 purpose-built student accommodation beds nationally. About two-thirds in private ownership, while our higher education institutions provide more than 15,600 beds.

This includes 4,187 beds at UCD, 2,934 at the University of Limerick, around 1,850 each at Trinity College and the University of Galway and a further 3,000 beds between DCU and UCC. Maynooth University now has 1,262 beds which includes the 116 beds completed under my Department's Short-Term Activation Programme this year. The South East Technological University owns 426 beds in Waterford, while MIC has 146 beds across Limerick and Tipperary.

At the end of September, 1,637 beds were under construction nationwide. Planning permission has been granted for a further 15,132 beds, including 2,948 public beds. Just last month, I announced the allocation of €67 million in State funding to enable UCD to enter contract for the delivery of 493 of these beds.

Another major milestone in enabling an increase in supply was the publication of the Design Guide for State-Sponsored Student Accommodation in June, providing a clear framework for future developments.

The HEA is also advancing the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme, supporting project proposals across our campuses.

I will publish the new Student Accommodation Strategy later this year, which will prioritise increasing supply and enhancing affordability for students facing the greatest financial challenges.

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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15. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the actions his Department is undertaking to increase access to student accommodation in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54815/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I will publish a new long term student accommodation strategy (2025-2035) later this year, which aims to increase the supply of student accommodation beds.

It will include viability measures to support the development of new accommodation without any additional recourse to the private rental market and affordability supports for priority groups identified under the National Access Plan.

I published the Design Guide for State Sponsored Student Accommodation in June 2025 to support efficient delivery of high-quality, student-focused housing that offers long-term value to the State.

The Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme is progressing and ATU Galway is participating in this programme.

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 Ireland Strategic Investment Fund.

To address bed shortages, in September I launched a campaign encouraging homeowners to rent rooms, resulting in a significant increase in listings by colleges.

For the week ending 3rd of October there were over 5,200 ‘digs’ beds advertised by higher education institutions nationwide, with 320 of these beds in Galway. In addition, I am advised that at least 1,122 digs beds have been filled during September countrywide.

On the supply side I have been advised that as of the end of September there were 1,782 privately owned student beds with planning permission in Galway. Additionally, there were 913 private beds at an on-site stage of development in Galway.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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16. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the major building project for Cavan Institute at Cathedral Road, Cavan town will be progressed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55939/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that a proposal from Cavan and Monaghan ETB is currently being progressed under my department’s Further Education & Training (FET) College of the Future Major Projects Fund.

The proposal has been successful in moving forward to the Pre-tender, Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy stage in line with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. As part of this stage, the proposal will be further developed, risks will be better understood, the design will be advanced, and a procurement strategy and project execution plan developed.

The proposal put forward by Cavan Monaghan ETB is to construct a new integrated Further Education and Training College of the Future in Cavan Town. The proposed facility will address critical needs, providing a state-of-the-art education and training facility. The project aims to consolidate existing provision, incorporate new training programmes and specialisms, and develop support services at one location.

SOLAS continues to engage with Cavan Monaghan ETB around further developing their project scope and associated schedules of accommodation. Work has also begun on the development of standardised tender documents.

SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support Cavan Monaghan ETB through this next stage of proposal development.

Supporting FET learners and educators across all regions including those in Cavan and Monaghan remains a top priority for my department and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet their needs.