March 31, 2023
5,000 fewer student beds in private sector than four years ago – Rose Conway-Walsh TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Rose Conway-Walsh, has called for an explanation from government following the Residential Tenancies Board revelation that there are almost 5,000 fewer student beds registered in the private sector.

Teachta Conway-Walsh TD said:

“These are extremely alarming figures. Each year we see a worsening situation for students and parents scrambling to try and find accommodation they can afford.

“The RTB has confirmed that there are now only 23,557 student specific accommodation beds registered with them. This is down from 28,414 registered in 2019 and represents a decline of 4,837.

“I have raised this with Minister Harris in the Dáil and have written to the Housing Minister seeking urgent clarity on how these student beds have been allowed to leave the system.

“There were reports during the pandemic of purpose-built student accommodation changing into accommodation for tourists.

“Weak enforcement and a hands-off approach from successive governments have emboldened large student accommodation providers.  

“We have a growing population of college students and a shrinking number of student accommodation beds.

“Accommodation has become the biggest barrier to third-level education, and this particularly impacts students from rural areas.

“It is unacceptable for large student accommodation complexes to be given permission to change use.

“Students and parents need clarity from the Housing Minister on the level of student accommodation available in the private sector.”

Share On Facebook
Share On Twitter
Share On Whatsapp
Share Via Email
Copy URL

Follow us online

Latest Tweets
sinnfeinireland Sinn Féin @sinnfeinireland ·
20 Apr

Transparency & accountability crucial to restore confidence at University of Limerick – @QuinlivanTD

Teachta Quinlivan's comments come following reports the Garda Economic Crime Bureau is examining issues relating to a controversial housing deal at UL.

Reply on Twitter 1781654532855869469 Retweet on Twitter 1781654532855869469 5 Like on Twitter 1781654532855869469 12 Twitter 1781654532855869469
sinnfeinireland Sinn Féin @sinnfeinireland ·
20 Apr

It is essential that a State apology is now made to the families of the Stardust tragedy.

@MaryLouMcDonald has said that the apology must address the failures of governments, not just 43 years ago in the aftermath of this tragedy, but every day since then.

#JFT48

Reply on Twitter 1781643300211986528 Retweet on Twitter 1781643300211986528 24 Like on Twitter 1781643300211986528 82 Twitter 1781643300211986528
sinnfeinireland Sinn Féin @sinnfeinireland ·
20 Apr

Following a meeting with the families of the Stardust tragedy this morning, @MaryLouMcDonald has said that "a full state apology to the families must be made now, and it must address the systematic failure over 43 years".

MORE: https://vote.sinnfein.ie/a-full-state-apology-to-stardust-families-must-address-systematic-failure-over-43-years-mary-lou-mcdonald/

Reply on Twitter 1781634297473994961 Retweet on Twitter 1781634297473994961 34 Like on Twitter 1781634297473994961 80 Twitter 1781634297473994961
sinnfeinireland Sinn Féin @sinnfeinireland ·
20 Apr

ICOB in danger of being becoming another failed government business support scheme – @loreillysf

“It's essential that the May 1st deadline for registrations is extended, and that government & local authorities engage with SME's to encourage take-up."

Reply on Twitter 1781602988349390954 Retweet on Twitter 1781602988349390954 8 Like on Twitter 1781602988349390954 16 Twitter 1781602988349390954
Load More