Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed progress on plans to deliver between 416 and 472 student accommodation bedspaces at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Galway.

The development is included in the first phase of the Government’s Higher Education Institution Student Accommodation Programme, which aims to increase the supply of purpose-built student accommodation through partnerships with the private sector. There are also plans to for on-campus accommodation at Munster Technological University, Cork; Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire and Technological University Dublin.

An Expression of Interest process has now opened for four on-campus developments, including ATU Galway, with developers invited to put forward proposals.

The programme will also explore opportunities for additional off-campus student accommodation in Galway, Dublin and Cork, while the University of Galway is being considered for inclusion in a further phase, with a site assessment having commenced.

Minister Canney said: “Finding suitable and affordable accommodation is a huge challenge for students and their families, particularly in Galway, where demand for accommodation remains very high.

“The prospect of more than 400 additional student bedspaces at ATU is very positive news and would make a real difference to students attending college in Galway.

“Having more purpose-built student accommodation also helps to ease pressure on the wider rental market, which is important for families and other people trying to find somewhere to live.

“We need to keep building on these initiatives to ensure that students have access to suitable accommodation and that the cost and availability of housing does not become a barrier to pursuing third-level education.”

The Expression of Interest process opened on 30 October, with responses due by 30 November 2026.

Subject to satisfactory market interest and the necessary approvals, the Government is working towards commencing the tendering process by the end of March 2027.