Written answer
Student Accommodation
935. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures taken to support and expand student accommodation since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53483/26]
Comment on this
Since January 2025, the Government has introduced a range of measures to support the delivery of student accommodation and improve affordability. These include the publication of Standardised Design Guidelines for State-Supported Student Accommodation, updated planning guidance, a reduction in VAT on apartment sales (including purpose-built student accommodation) and rent regulation reforms to support the development of new purpose-built student accommodation.
I have strengthened affordability supports for students. Budget 2026 provides for increases of between €200 and €430 in non-adjacent SUSI maintenance grants from September 2026, while wider student support schemes and the Rent Tax Credit continue to assist with accommodation costs.
The Short-Term Activation Programme saw the delivery of 116 beds in Maynooth for the academic year 2025/2026. Furthermore, University College Dublin is currently on site with a 493 bed project with Trinity College Dublin developing its detailed business case for a 358 bed project.
The Government continues to support additional supply through the Rent-a-Room Scheme. As of June 2026, over 5,000 student beds were being advertised through higher education institutions.
In March 2026, I published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035. A key priority under the Strategy is the implementation of the HEI Student Accommodation Programme which will support the delivery of PBSA on or near campuses through nomination agreements, licensed sites and site-servicing arrangements.
My priority for the remainder of 2026 is to progress delivery under the HEI Student Accommodation Programme, expand Rent-a-Room participation and continue measures that improve both the supply and affordability of student accommodation.