More on-campus student accommodation planned

A new long term policy to develop student accommodation has been agreed by Government which includes 500 student accommodation beds.

The policy commits government funding for purpose-built on-campus student accommodation, proposals for accommodation projects specifically tailored for technological universities, and the repurposing of vacant properties, including those on college-owned lands, into student housing.

The policy also aims to streamline construction costs and accelerate delivery through standardised design measures.

Additionally, there will be an exploration of enhanced public transport options for students.

The Government has also pledged ongoing support for the digs scheme, with forthcoming changes involving local authority collaboration and adjustments to medical card provisions.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris, Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe published the policy last week as plans for 521 beds in Dublin City University and Maynooth University with both to go to construction in the coming months.

Work is also progressing with University of Limerick and University of Galway who have also secured approval in principle for further investment.

Funding is provided on the basis that a portion of beds will be ring-fenced for disadvantaged students.

Speaking about the policy, Minister Harris said:

“I am delighted to confirm Government has agreed a long-term policy on student accommodation.

“This policy will help increase the supply of student housing in campuses across the country but will also help prevent students competing with families for private rental accommodation.

“This vision and policy will inform a new Student Accommodation Strategy, which will be published later this year.”

Minister O’Brien said: “Supply is key to addressing our housing needs and thankfully it continues to increase.

“We know that for every student space that is created it helps to ease the pressure in the private rental market and both I and my Department will work with Minister Harris and his Department in significantly scaling up this supply.

“From limiting the amount of deposits which can be requested, to introducing a renters tax credit and implementing a 2% cap on rent increases which apply to student specific accommodation also – this Government have demonstrated we want to level the playing field for students.”

Minister Donohoe said: “This policy is designed to address the issue of student accommodation and to better meet students’ housing needs.

This, in turn, aims to improve the level of housing stock for others in the community; families, couples, other workers, as they will ultimately not be competing for the same premises.”

State funding will be provided for the development of accommodation on university campuses.

An allocation is ring-fenced for a targeted groups of students at below market rates for an agreed period of time.