Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
764. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timeline for publishing the report on recommendations for standardised design of student accommodation in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16646/24]
View answerThe Cost of Construction Study, which was published by Minister O’Brien last year, recommends the development of a standardised specification for purpose built student accommodation. The objective of the PBSA Standardised Design & Specification Project is to examine international best practice and flexibility of design to inform appropriate standards in the delivery of affordable accommodation.
The project will be led by a cross-departmental project group chaired by DFHERIS with sectoral, planning and technical support from DHLGH, DFHERIS and the HEA. The HEA on behalf of DFHERIS will appoint an expert consultant to undertake this study and updates will be provided to the cross departmental project group in accordance with an agreed timeline.
The Request for Tender for the appointment of the consultant was published in Q1, with a view to finalisation of the study for reporting to Government in Q4, 2024 as per Housing for All Action plan commitments.
