Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
1001. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on plans to provide new student accommodation for students at Dublin City University; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12544/23]
View answerMy Dept of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, recently announced a State investment of up to €41 million to support the delivery of a phase one development of 405 additional student accommodation beds on Dublin City University's Glasnevin Campus. This funding is part of the wider Government short term initiative to activate purpose built student accommodation projects with planning permission.
The Higher Education Authority and my officials are working closely with DCU to complete the necessary due diligence process for this project in advance of it proceeding to tender and construction.
This project together with projects across a number of Higher Education Institutions is in direct response to the targets of the Government's "Housing for All" strategy.
The provision of additional student accommodation will not only ease the pressure within the student sector but it will also free up housing for families and relieve some of the pressures in the wider housing market.
My Dept and I continue to work on a strategic policy and methodology for state supported student accommodation provision which I will update Government on by the end of June. This policy approach will acknowledge the importance of appropriate supply and affordability of student accommodation for our higher education sector in meeting the increasing number of student numbers and realising the commitment as set out in Housing for All.
