Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2022
155. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of plans to provide assistance for the construction of student accommodation on identified public sites in return for affordable rates for priority groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59790/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra156. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the development of the policy on student housing and accommodation; the timeline for the completion of the new policy; the staffing allocation for the dedicated student accommodation unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59791/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
Since taking up office, both my Department officials and I have engaged and continue to engage on an ongoing basis with the Minister and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the wider higher education sector and relevant stakeholders on student accommodation issues including within the context of the advancement of the Government's Housing for All policy.
I received Government approval and support this week on outline proposals to increase the supply of student accommodation, including proposals relating to a new model whereby for the first time the State would assist directly in bridging the gap between development costs and rental affordability in relation to the provision of additional student accommodation with publicly funded higher education institutions.
This will involve the State assisting with the cost of building student accommodation in return for affordability commitments on rent. In addition to policy development, Government has approved funding to support the provision of up to addition 700 beds for students attending MU, UL and UG. In addition, further engagement is ongoing with other providers including DCU and UCD who have planning permission for additional supply. This will also include support for TU’s in the development of feasibility plans on student accommodation in 2023 to develop appropriate responses to regional demand.
I have established a dedicated Student Accommodation Unit is leading the development of this new Student Accommodation policy as a matter of urgency, alongside the HEA and the sector.
The Student Accommodation Unit was founded on the 10th October and is currently staffed by 1 Principal Officer and 2 Higher Executive Officers with internal professional and technical support and expert resources in the HEA. There are plans for an Assistant Principal Officer and higher executive officer to join the unit in early December. Further staffing allocations are due to take place over the next few months as the role and work of the section develops. The Unit is based between DFHERIS offices in Tullamore and Marlborough St., Dublin 1.
