Rent Hike Fears For Students As Lawless’s Department Weighs Change Sought By Private Operators

Sunday, 7 December 2025 10:17

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

Senator Laura Harmon says Further and Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD James Lawless must protect students from rent hikes.

The Department of Higher Education has proposed private providers should be allowed increase rent for students.

The next reset of market rents is not allowed until 2029, but the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation Council of Ireland says an earlier reset is needed to attract private developers into the sector.

It is understood that a source close to the Higher Education Minister James Lawless denied such a change would hike rents, and instead will address the shortage of beds for students.

Daniel Walsh, Vice-President for the Dublin-region at student group AMLÉ, says college-goers are struggling to afford basic groceries due to high private rents.

While Senator Laura Harmon says Further and Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD James Lawless must protect students from rent hikes.

She said students are already spending "extortionate" amounts.

Speaking to Kfm News, Deputy Lawless said the student accommodation strategy is still being developed but is now at an "advanced" stage.

He said its aim is twofold: to ensure new purpose-built student beds that already have planning permission are financially viable and delivered, while also addressing affordability, so students can access accommodation at rents "they can manage".

More from Local News

Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news
Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Kfm Obituary Notices

Kfm obituaries notices are broadcast daily following the 8am, 10am, 1pm, 5pm news