Yesterday saw the announcement of an Expression of Interest (EOI ) process to support the delivery of thousands of new third level student beds under the Higher Education Institutions Student Accommodation Programme. This includes up to 472 student beds in the Atlantic Technological University in Galway (ATU ).
Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton said that she is particularly aware that Galway, as a thriving university city, faces challenges in terms of accommodating many thousands of students every year.
“That is why this announcement is so important. As part of the process, the construction and development sector are being asked to express interest in developing on-site student accommodation at ATU Galway,” Minister Naughton said.
“The on-campus site identified in this EOI process offer strong development potential and a unique opportunity to deliver high-quality student accommodation for ATU. The availability of affordable student accommodation is vital in ensuring student access to third level education,” the Minister noted.
“The purpose of the EOIs is to gather information on market appetite and readiness; potential development, funding and operational structures; identification of any barriers to development; and determination of suitable viable sites for student accommodation. A site assessment has been provided for ATU to assist developers in preparing informed and comprehensive responses to the Expression of Interest process,” Minister Naughton commented.
“While this is only the beginning of the process, I am hopeful that it will be another tool to assist Government in delivering more student accommodation in Galway and throughout the country,” she added.
