Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
517. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain purpose-built student accommodation has been given permission to function as short-term tourist accommodation despite the shortage of suitable student accommodation; his views on the decision to grant permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43550/21]
View answerI am very aware of the ongoing shortage of accommodation facing students, and I have been made aware that a number of purpose-built student accommodation developments have been given temporary permission to use a portion of their rooms for short-term visitor and tourist accommodation.
The National Student Accommodation Strategy (NSAS) was published in 2017 and is designed to relieve the student accommodation shortage by supporting the delivery of an increased level of purpose-built student accommodation. For accommodation to be removed from student use at a time when there are significant student accommodation shortages runs contrary to the aims of the NSAS and is deeply disappointing.
My officials have been in contact with the Department of Housing in relation to this matter, and we are exploring the options available to us to help ensure that purpose built-student accommodation remains in use for students.
