Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1560. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the national student accommodation strategy will be published; its current status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12995/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first National Student Accommodation Strategy was launched in July 2017. It runs until 2024, with a target of 21,000 additional PBSA beds to be delivered. Achievement of this target has been impacted by subsequent events including Brexit, Covid-19 and the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
As you are aware, I received Government approval for the long-term student accommodation policy and methodology in January. The aim of this policy is to increase the supply of student accommodation and to examine alternative solutions that will remove accommodation as a barrier to higher education. Through this policy;
• The Government will fund the delivery of purpose built student accommodation;
• A call for proposals for accommodation projects for Technological Universities will open;
• Vacant properties will be repurposed into housing for students, including properties on college owned lands;
• Standardised design will reduce the cost of construction and increase the pace of delivery;
• Improved public transport will be explored for students;
• Continued support of the rent-a-room scheme with local authority and medical card changes coming into effect.
This long-term policy will inform the future student accommodation strategy which will be developed and published in 2024.
