439. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of purpose built student accommodation units available in Cork city in September. [54166/26]

Delivering affordable, high-quality student accommodation is a key Government priority and is critical to ensuring that students can access and succeed in higher education. The National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035, which I published in March 2026, sets out a long-term framework to increase accommodation supply, improve affordability and support the sustainable delivery of student accommodation nationwide.

The Higher Education Institutions Student Accommodation Programme (HSAP) is progressing, with higher education institutions preparing Preliminary Business Cases due for completion throughout 2026. Delivery will be phased, with an initial focus on Dublin, Cork and Galway.

In relation to Cork, the following figures represent the most up-to-date position available, with Cork City specific data provided where possible. The total number of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds in County Cork is 9,585 beds.  This includes 8,051 private beds as well as the 1,534 public beds owned by University College Cork.

Since 2017, 3,684 student accommodation beds have been completed in Cork. Planning has been granted for 2,112 additional beds, while 206 beds at Victoria Cross Road are due for completion in September. Planning applications have also been submitted for a further 628 beds.

In addition, the latest figures for rent-a-room accommodation indicate that 93 beds are available through University College Cork and 932 beds through Munster Technological University. Building on previous successful campaigns, my Department will run a national Rent-a-Room promotional campaign to encourage greater participation in the scheme and increase the availability of student accommodation ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.