From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today announced the commencement of Higher Education Authority (HEA) and department-led work to plan student accommodation across the technological higher education sector.
In November 2022, Government approved funding to support the technological sector in the development of student accommodation strategies. This funding will enable a cohesive and regionally focused approach for the technological sector, to determine current and future capacity and potential supply options at a national and regional level.
Minister Harris said:
“The Technological University sector is spread across five regions and the need for student accommodation in the regions is clear.
"It is important we establish the demand and the regional needs of the Technological Sector campuses. This work aims to develop a range of accommodation options to increase supply for our students, including State supported purpose-built student accommodation.
"This work will be vital to advancing student accommodation in every area across the country."
The HEA together with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research and Innovation, are working closely with the Technological Universities, to establish and assess the demand for student accommodation in key regions aligned to the individual campus.
The campuses of the following Technological Universities and Institutions will be included:
Housing for All contains a commitment to support TUs to develop purpose-built student accommodation. This study will determine regional requirements and the accommodation options that are available to the individual TUs.
The work will focus on establishing a national and regional data picture on supply and demand projections for student accommodation. The study will also progress responses from the TU sector to progress accommodation plans.
Minister Harris added:
“This is a significant milestone in the development of new State supported policy on student accommodation. I would like to thank the Higher Education Authority and our technological sector for their ongoing collaboration to advance this work, which is a key priority for Government.
“I have met all our TUs and it is clear there is a desire to start building, or acquiring accommodation. This work will be a key enabler in unlocking these projects.”