Vol. 509 No. 3
47 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of residential developments for third level students completed under section 50 of the Finance Act, 1999; the number planned in Galway and Limerick; and if he has satisfied himself with progress to date. [19808/99]
As the Finance Act, 1999 and my Department's Guidelines on Residential Developments for Third Level Students are of recent origin, it has not been possible to complete any third level residential developments to date.
In Galway, accommodation for 700 students at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology will be available from the start of the next academic year while developers are in consultation with both the NUI Galway and the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology concerning the provision of additional accommodation.
In Limerick, the University of Limerick is planning to build an additional 450 study bedrooms on the campus and are considering further proposals under section 50, while the institute of technology is currently considering two applications submitted under the new legislation.
Given that the relevant legislation and regulations have only recently been put in place, I am satisfied with progress to date. Further, as relief will be available under the legislation for expenditure incurred up to 31 March 2003, the opportunity exists to create significant additional accommodation for third level students.
