Addressing the Ongoing Student Accommodation Crisis in Ireland: Solutions for the New Incoming Government by Getdigs.ie
The student accommodation crisis in Ireland has been worsening over the years, particularly in the major cities of Dublin, Limerick, Cork, and Galway. The skyrocketing cost of living, lack of affordable housing options, and high demand for limited accommodation have left many students struggling to find a place to live during the academic year. Many are being forced to commute long distances, stay in substandard living conditions, or even defer their studies due to the housing shortage.
This crisis is not limited to students—many professionals are also seeking affordable accommodation, especially in areas outside the main cities, as housing prices rise across the country. The new incoming Irish government must take urgent and innovative action to address this ongoing issue I implore them don’t wait and one potential solution is incentivizing the use of Monday to Friday digs—a flexible and affordable accommodation option for both students and professionals.
The Potential of Monday to Friday Digs Accommodation
Monday to Friday digs, or weekday-only room rentals, allow students and professionals to rent a room near their university or workplace during the week while returning home on weekends. This arrangement not only makes housing more affordable but also eases the pressure on the full-time rental market. By promoting the use of weekday digs, the government could help alleviate the student housing crisis while also benefiting homeowners who have spare rooms to rent.
One of the key players in this sector is GetDigs.ie, Ireland’s leading platform for connecting homeowners with lodgers seeking Monday to Friday accommodation. This website has become the go-to resource for students and professionals looking for a more flexible, cost-effective way to live during the week. However, while digs have been gaining popularity, more can be done to encourage both lodgers and homeowners to take advantage of this accommodation model.
Suggestions for Government Action: Monetary Incentives for Student Lodgers
One way the new Irish government could address the student accommodation crisis is by providing monetary incentives to students who use Monday to Friday digs. Here are a few ways this could be achieved:
- Subsidies for students who choose digs accommodation: The government could offer financial support to students who opt for weekday accommodation. For instance, a monthly or semester-based subsidy could be provided to students renting rooms through platforms like GetDigs.ie, reducing their overall housing costs.
- Tax credits for student lodgers: Students who use digs accommodation could receive a tax credit at the end of the academic year. This would provide an additional financial incentive to choose weekday accommodation, making it an attractive option for those who currently struggle with the high cost of renting full-time.
- Low-interest loans for student accommodation: The government could also introduce a scheme that offers low-interest loans to students specifically for accommodation. These loans could be used to cover the cost of digs accommodation and repaid over a longer period, easing the financial burden on students while they complete their studies.
By offering financial incentives to student lodgers, the government could significantly reduce the demand for full-time rentals and make Monday to Friday digs a more mainstream solution for students across Ireland.
Incentives for Homeowners: Improving the Rent-a-Room Scheme
In addition to supporting students, the government should also focus on encouraging more homeowners to rent out their spare rooms. One way to achieve this is by expanding the existing Irish Governments Rent-a-Room Scheme. 
Currently, the Rent-a-Room Scheme allows homeowners to earn up to €14,000 per year tax-free by renting out a room in their home. While this is an attractive option for many, the government could further incentivize homeowners by introducing the following changes:
- Increased tax relief for multiple rooms: The Rent-a-Room Scheme could be adjusted to offer higher tax relief for homeowners who rent out more than one room. For example, homeowners could receive a tax-free allowance of €14,000 for the first room and an additional €5,000 for each additional room rented out. This would encourage homeowners to maximize the use of their available space, helping to increase the supply of student and professional accommodation.
- Grants for home improvements: Homeowners who are willing to rent out rooms could be offered government grants to improve or renovate their properties. This would ensure that the available accommodation is up to standard, while also providing financial support to homeowners who may need to make adjustments to their homes to accommodate lodgers.
- There are a plethora of additional methods that the incoming Government could implement but they need to do so now.
Addressing the Crisis in Major Cities and Beyond
While the student accommodation crisis is most acute in Dublin, Limerick, Cork, and Galway, it’s important to note that professionals across Ireland are also seeking affordable weekday accommodation. Many professionals who work in the cities during the week may live in more rural areas and commute home on weekends, making Monday to Friday digs an ideal solution for them as well.
GetDigs.ie has recognized this demand and has expanded its offerings to include accommodation options for professionals seeking short-term weekday rentals. The platform’s user-friendly interface and wide range of listings make it the number one choice for both students and professionals looking for flexible, affordable accommodation during the week.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Solution
The student accommodation crisis in Ireland is complex, but with the right policies, the incoming government can take meaningful steps to address it. By incentivizing the use of Monday to Friday digs, offering financial support to students, and encouraging more homeowners to rent out their spare rooms, the government can help ease the pressure on the rental market.
Platforms like GetDigs.ie play a crucial role in connecting homeowners with lodgers, and with additional support from the government, the use of digs accommodation could become a key part of the solution to Ireland’s student housing crisis. Together, students, professionals, homeowners, and policymakers can work toward a more sustainable and affordable housing market for all.
We plead with the new Incoming Government DO Not leave it until the beginning of the semester or in September and roll out the same platitudes of “we’ve increase student accommodation year on year by x percent” – this is no good for the students and professional looking for affordable accommodation and won’t be deemed good enough. Act now!
For any queries relating to Digs accommodation please contact admin@getdigs.ie