Trinity welcomes progress on new student accommodation plans
Posted on: 26 August 2026
The university’s plan for 358 new student beds in Dartry will proceed to tender following approval from Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD.
L-R: Faolán Doecke-Launders (Central Societies Committee Amenities Officer), Professor Eleanor Denny (Bursar and Chief Strategic Developments Officer), Minister James Lawless TD, Professor Orla Sheils (Vice-Provost and Chief Academic Officer) and Professor Kevin O'Kelly, Project Sponsor.
Trinity welcomed the announcement of the project which will be completed subject to approval of final costings by the university's Finance Committee and Board.
‘This is an important milestone for Trinity College Dublin's Dartry Student Accommodation Project and for efforts to increase the supply of high-quality, affordable student accommodation,’ said Minister Lawless. ‘The development of 358 additional student beds will help address growing demand and support students in accessing higher education.’
‘I am acutely aware of the accommodation challenges facing students and their families. Through the Short-Term Activation Programme, 30% of newly delivered beds will be reserved for priority students under the National Access Plan and offered at rents 30% below market rates for 30 years. This reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring that accommodation is not a barrier to participation in higher education. I would like to congratulate Trinity College Dublin on reaching this significant stage. Today's announcement represents another step forward in delivering more student accommodation and improving affordability for students across the country.’
Professor Orla Sheils, Trinity’s Vice-Provost and Chief Academic Officer said: 'This announcement marks a major development for Trinity and for our students. Increasing our student accommodation capacity in Dartry has long been an important objective for the university, reflecting our commitment to improving the student experience and widening access to higher education. We are extremely grateful for the Government's support.'
'We warmly welcome the Government's support in helping to advance this important project,’ said Professor Eleanor Denny, Trinity’s Bursar and Chief Strategic Developments Officer. ‘In the context of the continuing accommodation shortage in Dublin, these 358 new beds will have a transformative impact on generations of students. This announcement, which is subject to tender and Board approval, is a huge step forward.’
The project is supported by the Government's Short-Term Activation Programme which helps public higher education institutions to develop new student accommodation.