Government Unveils Long-Term Policy to Address Student Accommodation Challenges
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science Simon Harris TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD, and Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery, and Reform Paschal Donohoe TD have jointly announced the government’s approval of a comprehensive long-term policy to tackle the persistent challenges in student accommodation.
The policy, a significant component of the Housing for All initiative, was presented by the three ministers as they inspected plans for 521 student beds in Dublin City University and Maynooth University, slated for construction in the upcoming months.
Key elements of the new policy include:
- Government Funding: The government commits to funding purpose-built student accommodation projects.
- Technological Universities Proposal Call: A call for proposals for accommodation projects for Technological Universities is set to be initiated in the coming weeks.
- Repurposing Vacant Properties: Unused properties, including those on college-owned lands, will be repurposed into housing for students, contributing to increased availability.
- Cost Reduction and Accelerated Delivery: The policy aims to streamline construction processes, reduce costs, and expedite project delivery through standardized design approaches.
- Enhanced Public Transport Options: Exploring improved public transport options for students to enhance accessibility to accommodation.
- Support for Disadvantaged Students: A portion of the funded beds will be ring-fenced for disadvantaged students, ensuring broader inclusivity.
Minister Harris expressed his delight, stating, “This policy will help increase the supply of student housing across the country and prevent students from competing with families for private rental accommodation. It will form the basis of a new Student Accommodation Strategy, to be published later this year.”
Minister O’Brien emphasized the collaboration across government departments, highlighting that every additional student space created eases pressure on the private rental market. He outlined ongoing government efforts to level the playing field for students, from limiting deposit requests to implementing rent controls.
Minister Donohoe welcomed the progress on student accommodation policy and anticipated continued engagement between departments to refine the policy and accommodation proposals. He stressed the long-term view to address housing needs, providing certainty and affordability for students.
The government plans to allocate state funding for the development of student accommodation on university campuses, with a portion reserved for specific student groups at below market rates for an agreed period. This long-term policy will shape the upcoming Student Accommodation Strategy, to be developed in 2024.
