Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
675. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware that students are choosing college courses based on accommodation shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21462/24]
View answerThere is no conclusive reported data to support that rationale for students choosing college courses but I am conscious that accommodation is a significant factor for students who need to reside away from home to access higher education.
The challenge for students in accessing appropriate student accommodation is an issue which Government and I are acutely aware and actively pursuing. Government is committed to removing accommodation as a barrier to education.
In November 2022, the Government approved the development of a new policy to provide State assistance to stimulate the development of new student accommodation for public higher education institutions.
The Government approved in principle funding of €61m for student accommodation, subject to the public tendering process, due diligence assessment and compliance with relevant expenditure guidelines.
In April 2024, the Government committed €100m to progress over 1000 student beds at UCD, DCU, and Maynooth University. The Short-Term Activation Programme under which these projects are being funded, is the immediate response in advance of implementing the long-term policy, focused on regional needs and responses. The Department is continuing to assess student accommodation projects at TCD, UL, and UG.
The long term student accommodation policy was approved by Government on the 16th of January 2024. This policy will inform future student accommodation strategies and schemes which will be developed throughout 2024. This will include increasing supply of student accommodation, reducing cost of delivery through development of standardised design templates, and promoting efficient use of existing housing stock while supporting balanced regional development.
