More than 1,000 new student bed spaces have been completed this year and a further 5,000 are currently under construction, according to the Minister for Education.
Outlining a strategy for increasing the amount of accommodation for students, Richard Bruton said the Government’s target for 7,000 new student bed spaces nationally by 2019 was likely to be exceeded.
However, the Union of Students in Ireland criticised the fact that the Government's new strategy did not address the cost of student accommodation.
USI President Michael Kerrigan said the cost of newly built student accommodation had already climbed to almost €1,000 a month.
Mr Kerrigan said with Ireland having the second highest fees in Europe, and the average cost of college being €12,500 a year, the country would continue to see students priced out of college.
He said unless the cost of accommodation was addressed some students would continue to fear homelessness during college or the prospect of living in a car.
