EDUCATION Minister Jan O’Sullivan has welcomed the publication of a report on student accommodation, which shows that demand outstrips supply in certain areas and will continue to do so in the coming years.
She said: “There have been clear concerns over recent times regarding the availability of accommodation for students in certain areas, and that’s why I asked the Higher Education Authority to report on this issue.”
The report contains 13 recommendations, which include capital financing, tax considerations and planning issues, as well as support for the rent-a-room scheme.
The Minister added that she will immediately establish a steering group to oversee the work required, and will award a grant of €30,000, which will be provided to the Union of Students’ in Ireland to progress short-term solutions for students in need of accommodation.
Minister O’Sullivan also said that, in the longer term, the Government is committed to addressing the housing shortage through the Construction 2020 strategy.”
