Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
50. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 18 January 2024, for an update on the plans to provide additional student accommodation units for students at the University of Galway; the timeline for the delivery of the additional units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8905/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Short-Term Activation Programme, the University of Galway (UG) received approval to progress a proposed lease approximately 242 additional beds over 15 years, subject to review. This proposal is currently being examined by the HEA as part of a due diligence assessment. A number of other potential developments in Galway may also be amenable to a leasing intervention or refurbishment intervention, and work is ongoing on these assessments by my officials and the HEA and are subject to the necessary approvals. The timeline for delivery of these proposals is subject to compliance and approvals under the public spending code.
The Department continues to engage with DPENDR regarding funding for these projects under the NDP process. The Department and the HEA will work through the financial and governance due diligence process for these projects if State funding is approved by Government.
For the current academic year there are an additional 938 beds available in publicly funded Higher Education Institutions with 674 of these in University of Galway. In addition, as of the 31st of January, HEIs have indicated that there are approximately 137 rooms available in Galway for digs accommodation.
The most recent Building Information data (January 2024) supplied by the HEA indicate that since 2017, 1,739 new purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) beds have been built in Galway. Work is underway on site on an additional 403 bed spaces and planning permission has been obtained for a further 1,669 beds.
I secured Government support for the Student Accommodation Long Term Policy on the 16th of January 2024. This policy sets out a number of measures to increase the supply of accommodation, through all forms of tenure recognising the differing needs regionally.
