John Sisk & Son (Sisk) has been named as main contractor to deliver 493 new UCD student accommodation beds.
Minister for Further and Higher, Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD announced the allocation of €67 million in state funding to enable UCD to enter contract.
This project is the second tranche of beds delivered under the €100 million Short-Term Activation Programme announced in 2022. In line with programme requirements, thirty percent (30%) of the newly built beds are being made available for use by students in National Access Plan priority groupings or categories of students eligible for support via SUSI at a discounted rate of rent.
Ken Aherne, Managing Director, Sisk said: "We are proud to be partnering with UCD to deliver much-needed student accommodation on the Belfield campus. In doing so, we are not only addressing the growing demand for student housing, but also actively supporting the objectives of the Government’s National Development Plan. Together, we aim to create high-quality, sustainable accommodation that leaves a lasting positive impact on the university campus."
Minister Lawless said: "This significant investment reflects the Government's ongoing commitment to making higher education more accessible. By supporting the development of new student accommodation at UCD, 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 today, tomorrow, and well into the future."
UCD President Professor Orla Feely added: “This Government funding towards the next development phase of on-campus accommodation at Belfield is a significant milestone in the provision of much-needed places to match rising demand year after year, and importantly, it will support UCD in providing on-campus accommodation to those students in most need.”