Over 40,000 New Students Beds To Be Delivered By 2035, Promises Minister James Lawless

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 14:30

By Hannah Kelly

Student accommodation at Maynooth University. Image via daft.ie

The Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD launched the National Student Accommodation Strategy this afternoon

42,000 new student beds are being promised by 2035.

Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD, James Lawless TD, has launched the National Student Accommodation Strategy, which also pledges to exempt students from rent changes for three year periods.

The Strategy outlines practical measures to address affordability, supply and viability, while ensuring future demand is met without additional pressure on the private rental market. 

It also includes approximately 10,000 beds via the Rent-a-Room scheme, commonly known as 'digs'.

The Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme is also set to be extended to include universities.

Minister Lawless explained, “This Strategy is about delivery. I have prioritised removing the barriers that have slowed progress and putting in place a clear pathway to activate new student accommodation at scale. It combines direct State action with private sector delivery in a way that is both practical and proven.” 

"Affordability is a real concern for students and families, and this Strategy sets out a pathway to continue improving supports as supply increases."

Concluding, Minister Lawless said, “This Strategy is focused on activation, acceleration, affordability and delivery. My priority is to move from plans on paper to beds for students - and this Strategy gives us the tools to do exactly that.”

Announcing the strategy this afternoon, Minister Lawless said this is a record €176m of student supports being delivered: