Burke welcomes student accommodation plan

Minister Peter Burke has welcomed the publication of the long-term student accommodation plan by Minister Simon Harris. He has also welcomed new figures highlighting increased numbers of housing completions, as well as data which shows more and more couples and families are drawing down mortgages.

The student accommodation plan commits funding for universities to build student accommodation, repurpose vacant buildings for housing and the continued promotion of digs for homeowners and students.

Crucially, the plan confirms applications for student accommodation projects from the five technological universities are now open.

Minister Burke said: “Housing is our greatest challenge and Fine Gael is determined to deliver housing for all. We know there is an absence of suitable accommodation for many students, who often are competing with families and professionals each September when the new college year begins. This should not be the case, and we urgently need more purpose-built accommodation for young people, and those returning to education.

“This new policy confirms the government will invest in the building of student accommodation across the country, in the regions and in towns across the country,

“Fine Gael has led the technological university agenda, placing universities in towns across the country.

“Now we take it to the next phase ensuring they have student housing on site. This will encourage more people to stay in their regions and could attract students across the country to come study in towns like Athlone and Maynooth.

“Key for me in this plan is that a portion of places will be ringfenced for students with a household income of under €100,000.

“While we undoubtedly still have challenges in the housing sector, in particular in our rental market, progress is being made and the more new houses that come on stream, the more that are freed up for purchase or for rental purposes.

“Each week, 600 new mortgages are drawn down by people/couples/families in this country, which is the highest rate since 2007. Around 80 per cent of all housing purchased last year was done so by first time buyers, with over 470 individuals/couples getting their keys each week so far this year.

“This is real progress, and we need to ensure it is maintained throughout 2024 and through the next decade to address the pent-up demand within the system."