A landmark policy which will see the State providing financial support in the construction of on-site accommodation at the University of Galway has been announced.
Local TD and Minister for State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton has confirmed that she and her cabinet colleagues have given government approval for the new policy, one which will provide state assistance to stimulate the development of new and additional student accommodation for public higher education institution. The proposal was put forward by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris.
Speaking on the topic, Minister Naughton said, “I am pleased to say that Government has today approved Minister Harris’s proposal for direct intervention in the delivery of student accommodation. The focus of this policy is to ensure affordability for students and this Government funding will ensure that costs are kept to a minimum thus providing for more affordable rents.
“This new policy will see 242 student beds delivered in the first phase by the University of Galway with ATU also given funding to develop its own proposals to provide affordable student accommodation. This will involve the State for the first time assisting with the cost of building student accommodation in return for affordability commitments on rent.
“I am informed by Minister Harris that his discussions with the third level institutions in Galway have resulted in indications that up to 1,000 affordable student beds can be delivered under this policy. That is very much to be welcomed.”
The welcome news comes as the student homelessness crisis worsens, with students of Galway based institutions sleeping in cars and commuting a significant distance to get to classes every day. Student homelessness was the focus of a walk out in University of Galway in October this year.
Minister Naughton said, “This step marks the beginning of the State’s new policy on student accommodation. In addition to reducing fees, this Government is committed to making third level accessible across the board, including accommodation costs. I look forward to seeing this new scheme rolled out across all our tertiary educational facilities in Galway.”
