The plans are being brought forward by Kildare North TD & Higher Education Minister James Lawless
State-supported student accommodation will include twin rooms, shared bathrooms and communal kitchens under new national design standards aimed at increasing bed capacity and speeding up delivery.
Cabinet is expected to note the new guidelines today, which move away from the current focus on individual en-suite units. The Department of Higher Education says the new approach will allow for more students to be housed, reduce costs and create a more sociable living environment.
The design principles follow consultations with students, colleges and housing experts, and stem from a 2022 cost review. It comes as pressure mounts over the ongoing student housing shortage, especially at the start of the academic year.
This is part of the State’s involvement, for the first time, in funding student accommodation, a move agreed in late 2022.
Meanwhile, Housing Minister James Browne has confirmed there are no special rent protections planned for students in the private sector, though further discussions with Kildare North TD and Higher Education Minister James Lawless are planned.
Cabinet will also receive an update on the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan, which aims to hit 750 annual registrations. New apprenticeships include social work, digital marketing and public service operations.
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