Top level talks confirmed over Mayo student accommodation shortage

The Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris have confirmed talks have taken place with Atlantic Technological University regarding the provision of extra student accommodation in Castlebar.

He informed Mayo TD Alan Dillon that he has spoken to the president of the ATU, Orla Flynn, and the chair of the governing authority, Maura McNally, about the matter.

He elaborated: "I met them in Galway.

"It is clear as a result of the recent government decision that technological universities can and should prepare to submit plans for student accommodation in 2023.

"We allocated €1 million to the technological universities to bring in the capacity for any expertise they may need to develop those plans.

"I look forward to receiving an application from the ATU in 2023 for student accommodation."

Deputy Dillon said the town of Castlebar has approximately 900 students in the university campus and we have up to 700 students in the College of Further Education.

"We have a severe shortage of student accommodation and it needs to be addressed.

"We need to provide solutions to this difficult problem for our young people.

"I know an application will be submitted from the management of the ATU and Mayo County Council in respect of the military barracks.

"This would be an important step forward in a solution to the shortage of student accommodation."