4211. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of units and locations proposed for student accommodation under Phase 2 of the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme. [58419/26]

I published the National Student Accommodation Strategy in March which aims to support the viability of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) projects and increase the supply of student accommodation for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions. It will address affordability separately by providing for targeted financial supports for those students who need it the most.

The existing Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme (TSSAP) has been expanded to include the traditional university sector and will now operate as the Higher Education Institution Student Accommodation Programme (HSAP). This initiative will enable Higher Education Institutions to access additional PBSA capacity by facilitating private sector development both on and/or off campus through a combination of nomination agreements, site licensing arrangements, and site servicing.

The programme is intended to be delivered on a phased basis, initially focusing on projects in Cork, Dublin and Galway, followed by Waterford, Limerick, Athlone, and subsequently expanding to other regions, subject to market interest and approval by the relevant Higher Education Institution.

The number of beds that will be delivered under this programme will depend on individual project proposals and institutional plans, which are currently being developed. As outlined, collaboration between institutions and the private sector will be of vital importance to increasing additionality.