Students to get accommodation supports via new Government plan

STUDENT accommodation will now have certain standards it has to meet as per government criteria, including that of affordability, as per a new plan.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD announced their joint plan to develop design standards for Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in Ireland.

The Residential Construction Cost Study, which was published by Minister O’Brien in May of this year, recommends the development of a standardised specification for purpose built student accommodation. 

Limerick student secures Study USA scholarship

The first step will be to conduct a study to examine international best practice and flexibility of design to establish appropriate standards in the delivery of affordable accommodation.

Speaking on the day of the announcement (August 17), Minister Harris said: “For the first time in history, the State is investing in building student accommodation, a plan which is an important part of our Housing for All strategy.

“Already, we have helped to fund the construction of 1,100 beds, with many more on the way. This project will examine how best we can increase the supply of accommodation but also improve affordability too.”

This work will be informed by a stakeholder engagement process, which will include student representatives. 

Minister O’Brien said: "Housing for All commits to the development of Purpose Built Student Accommodation in Ireland as part of the broader strategy towards overall diversification and, particularly in this case, the increased availability and affordability of rental stock.

“Recently, €62 million in funding was allocated and work is under way to plan student accommodation across the higher education sector.

“This new PBSA study will interrogate how increased standardisation of design and specification can maximise delivery and affordability in Ireland. As such, it is a key component of the Government's broader strategy to deliver across all tenures and housing types under Housing for All.”

The project will commence immediately with the appointment of a cross-departmental project group chaired by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science followed by a request for tender for an expert consultant to undertake the study.