Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 December 2022
152. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details of plans for any additional on-campus student accommodation to be built at the University of Limerick, the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest and Mary Immaculate College, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59487/22]
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 and 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 will involve the State assisting with the cost of building student accommodation so as to 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.
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 have met all higher education providers and are continuing to engage with a number of other providers, including TUS and MIC to progress consideration of potential projects in key areas. I am aware that MIC are progressing privately on a project for the provision of 68 additional rooms through a refurbishment project.
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.
