A local senator believes that the student accommodation problem has led to "untold stress" for students.
Sinn Féin Senator, Pauline Tully has called on the government to unlock the borrowing framework contained within the 2018 Technological Universities Act.
This would allow technological universities across the country the ability to borrow money in the same way as traditional universities, which would allow them to start building student accommodation.
According to the senator, there is currently somewhere between a 25,000 and 30,000 gap in student accommodation places. That is predicted to rise to 68,000 by 2035 if the issue is not addressed.
Senator Tully said: “We know the effect the lack of housing is having on students. They are commuting long distances or sofa surfing; they’re dropping out of college or they’re trying to work a job to pay their bills as well as study. Some have reported sleeping in cars.
"Lack of available or affordable accommodation is also leading to students making decisions on what to study based purely on availability of suitable housing rather than on what they have a passion for.”
“This government have taken their eye off the student accommodation problem which has led to untold stress on students, families and the wider housing crisis.
“Technological Universities have identified appropriate land and have done their feasibility studies on the provision of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation but they have been waiting seven years for the government to unlock the mechanism that would allow them to proceed with building this much needed student accommodation. Minister Lawless needs to address this without delay” Senator Tully added.
