Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2024
201. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to explain the nature of the slow and painstaking work in studying and developing of a borrowing framework by his Department for the technological sector. [4361/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2022, funding was approved to assist the Technological Universities (TUs) in developing a student accommodation programme based on a regional needs and feasibility assessment. The Higher Education Authority appointed consultants in June 2023, to oversee and assess the levels of supply and demand for student accommodation across our public higher education institutions (HEIs).
The objective of the feasibility study is to; establish an accurate “as is” account of available student accommodation supply available in private rented units, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and rent a room schemes; project future supply and demand for accommodation in both PSBA and private rented on a national and regional level and within each Technological University (TU) catchment area; and to ascertain what opportunities are available to meet the future demand for student accommodation through either new-build PSBA, leasing, acquisition or refurbishing/redevelopment of existing sites.
Phase one, a supply and demand analysis, has involved extensive data-gathering across all TUs, Universities and Colleges, comprising a data collection framework, one-to-one meetings with HEI representatives, and a centralised student survey on student accommodation. The comprehensive student accommodation supply and demand framework is currently undergoing analysis and data validation by the Higher Education Authority.
Phase 2 of the study commenced this week. In parallel with the data collection, the Higher Education Authority is overseeing the development of standardised preliminary business case processes and templates. The intention is to develop a programmatic approach to facilitate future TU student accommodation proposals. It is proposed that this will be achieved by using the demand analysis from the data collection process to inform a framework of delivery models and funding options.
This will be informed by the demand analysis data collection process. A number of delivery modes and mechanisms are being examined as part of this process to inform student accommodation programme responses. This will include an assessment a borrowing framework for student accommodation. I am not in a position to pre-empt the outcome of this examination process and any frame work proposal will require approval by Government. My Department and I will work within the parameters of the public spending code to deliver on state supported student accommodation provision.
