Troy welcomes update on purpose-built student housing at TUS Athlone

Minister of State and local Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy, has welcomed an update from the Department of Further and Higher Education on the programme to provide purpose-built student accommodation at TUS Athlone and similar third level institutions nationally.

"Students in Athlone and across the country deserve affordable, secure and purpose-built accommodation.

“I welcome the progress being made and will continue to work closely with my colleague, Minister for Higher Education James Lawless, to ensure these projects are delivered efficiently for students and the wider community," Minister Troy said.

Minister Troy wrote to the Department requesting an update on the development of purpose-built student accommodation for students at TUS Athlone which he believes will benefit students and the town's wider community.

The Department has confirmed that the first stage of the programme has now been completed.

Universities submitted plans exploring various ways to provide student housing, including building new accommodation on or near campuses, leasing existing properties, entering joint ventures and repurposing empty or unused buildings.

During the second stage of the Technological Sector Student Accommodation programme, universities will submit detailed business cases outlining the level of funding required and whether a borrowing framework will be needed.

The Department and the Higher Education Authority are working closely with the universities to support this process.

Minister Troy is adamant that purpose-built student accommodation will help free up private rental stock while ensuring students have access to affordable and secure housing.

"It’s encouraging to see the programme moving forward. These projects will provide students with safe and affordable housing while supporting the wider community and helping to ease pressure on the rental market.

"I will continue to support and champion these projects. The issue of a borrowing framework for Technological Universities remains a hurdle to be overcome, and I will continue to push for a resolution on this matter which will allow the institutions to push forward with development proposals," Minister Troy concluded.