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📍 Dublin, 5 September 2025 — Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has approved €67 million in state funding to support the construction of 493 new student accommodation beds at University College Dublin (UCD).
The investment forms part of the €100 million Short-Term Activation Programme launched in 2022, aimed at rapidly expanding student housing capacity across Ireland. In accordance with programme guidelines, 30% of the new beds will be reserved at reduced rental rates for students from National Access Plan priority groups or those eligible for support through SUSI.
Minister Lawless described the initiative as a strategic step toward improving access to higher education. “We are helping to meet the growing demand for student housing, while also investing in a long-term solution that ensures students from all backgrounds have access to affordable, high-quality places to live,” he said.
UCD President Professor Orla Feely welcomed the funding, calling it “a significant milestone” in addressing rising demand and supporting students most in need. The new beds will be located on the Belfield campus.
This marks the second major accommodation project under the activation programme, following the completion of 116 beds at Buckley House, Maynooth University, which is now ready for occupancy in the 2025/2026 academic year.
