Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2022
114. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his proposed timeline to implement proposals relating to a new model whereby the State would assist in relation to the provision of student accommodation. [59759/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe difficulties faced by students in accessing affordable student accommodation is an issue of which Government and I are actively pursuing. We are committed to addressing supply of affordable student accommodation for priority group students attending publicly funded higher education institutions in Ireland.
In response to this issue and to increase supply, I brought proposals to Government this week setting out a new policy that supports the delivery of additional purpose-built student accommodation for publicly funded HEI's. I am pleased to confirm Government has approved my proposed policy response to activate supply of student accommodation. This landmark policy response will, for the first time, see the state providing financial support in the construction of on-site student accommodation, and underpins the policy commitments set out in Housing for All.
This policy will ensure increased availability and promote greater access in particular for student groups in line with the National Access Plan. At the heart of the new policy is a commitment to deliver student accommodation to those most in need, and to provide it at affordable rates.
I have already established a dedicated unit for student accommodation in my Department to develop and implement this policy alongside the HEA. The unit is working closely with the HEA and the HEI's to implement this new policy as soon as reasonably possible while complying with proper governance procedures.
Government has also agreed to a short-term activation plan to stimulate the supply of affordable accommodation for students attending college in UL, MU and UG with the development of up to 700 beds. The immediate priority is to deliver on projects where planning permission already exists but where developments have not proceeded due to increasing construction costs. In addition, my officials and I are continuing to engage with a number of other providers to evaluate proposals for activation of projects with planning permission for the provision of further additional supply.
I will also begin to prepare our Technological Universities for the construction of student accommodation. In order for our TUs to thrive and to ensure we have balanced regional development; we need to have more student accommodation in our regions. Our TUs are ready for the challenge and this funding will start them on their path.
