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".
Another Blow For Curragh Community College As Water Issue Forces Closure
Anger In Sallins As Sunshine Community Club Misses Out On Renewal Funding
Next Phase Of The HPV Catch Up Programme To Begin With Fifth And Sixth Year Students
Last Call To Apply For Rewilding Project
Man Arrested In Connection With Fatal Edenderry Arson Attack Released Without Charge
Kildare Schools Record Strong Progression To Third-Level According To Feeder Schools Data
Naas District Court Among Top 10 For Burglary Cases In 2025
Multi-Vehicle Collision On M7 Northbound
