The Devolved Capital Grant provides flexible capital funding to eligible higher education institutions to support small-scale building works including energy efficiency and decarbonisation related upgrades, health and safety works, access works, refurbishment etc. and equipment purchase or renewal, including ICT.
The focus of the funding for minor capital works, refurbishment and renewal of equipment is essential if HEIs are to keep their capital stock fit-for-purpose and to operate sustainably. Adequate levels of maintenance funding are required across the third level sector to prevent deterioration of capital infrastructure and ensure that facilities remain up-to-date, fit for purpose and respond to climate objectives. Subsidising the cost of building new student accommodation therefore cannot be included in the existing allocation model within the Devolved Capital Grant.
My Department is progressing specific student accommodation actions under Housing for All, and examining measures to address challenges in the supply of affordable and appropriate student accommodation.
Housing for All contains a commitment to develop policy and methodology for potential short-term state support for proposals for the construction of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) by Higher Education Institutions where planning permission has already been secured. Government has approved funding to support the development of 1,065 beds for students of the University of Limerick, Dublin City University, Maynooth University and the University of Galway. My Department continues to examine proposals and financial projections from relevant HEI’s.
My Department and I are also engaged in the ongoing development of new longer term student accommodation policy responses. My Department is engaging with colleagues from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to work on the development of a supporting scheme for supply of student accommodation through refurbishment of vacant properties. Funding mechanisms to support this refurbishment are currently under consideration but could include some form of specific purpose capital grant.
