Student accommodation costs
Deputy McGrath raised soaring student accommodation costs, citing steep rent increases at DCU’s Shanowen Hall and calling for legislation to curb them. Minister Murphy said new student places were being built, suggested rent pressure zones may apply if the arrangement was a tenancy, and said he was investigating the specific case.
The programme for Government contains commitments to young people, especially our students. The cost of student accommodation in Dublin has got completely out of hand. At DCU’s Shanowen Hall, which is only minutes from the main campus, it is currently €7,000 for nine months. It is going up, however, by 24% to €9,000 a year. They will only be in it for nine months, which means it will be €1,000 per month. That is extortionate and legislation should be introduced to curtail it. Students have been pulled out of college because they cannot afford it. The €9,000 it will cost next year for a single room would pay for a three-year degree at €3,000 a year. It is extortion and it is disgraceful to treat students in this manner. Will the Tánaiste, Minister for Education and Skills or Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, or whoever is responsible, do something about it?
Comment on this
He cannot even provide houses. He is hardly going to look after students.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for the question. Thousands of new student places are being built at the moment. We have a very ambitious plan for that which will help students into affordable accommodation. On the particular issue the Deputy raises, if it is a case of traditional tenancy arrangements, it should be captured by the rent pressure zone and that kind of inflation should not be allowed. However, there may be a different licensing arrangement in place in this instance. I am investigating that.