A plan has been announced to develop design standards for Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in Ireland.

The Residential Construction Cost Study, which was published by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD in May of this year, recommends the development of a standardised specification for purpose built student accommodation.

The first step will be to conduct a study to examine international best practise and flexibility of design to establish appropriate standards in the delivery of affordable accommodation.


The project will be led by a cross-departmental project group chaired by DFHERIS with sectoral and technical support from DHLGH, DFHERIS and the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

Minister Harris said: "For the first time in history, the State is investing in building student accommodation, a plan which is an important part of our Housing for All strategy.

"Already, we have helped to fund the construction of 1,100 beds, with many more on the way.

"As part of the new Student Accommodation Strategy, it is important we examine the best models of delivery for student accommodation.

"This project will examine how best we can increase supply of accommodation but also improve affordability too."

The project will commence immediately with the appointment of a cross-departmental project group chaired by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science followed by a request for tender for an expert consultant to undertake the study.