Dublin City University (DCU) is looking to build a further 1,240 student bed spaces amid a surge in developments around the capital.

The university is seeking to build the new student accommodation on its campus and the project is being progressed as a strategic housing scheme.

DCU has a student population of more than 17,000 and besides its main campus in Glasnevin on Dublin's northside, it also incorporates three other institutions in the capital. These include St Patrick's College, Mater Dei Institute of Education, and the Church of Ireland College of Education.

A huge number of student developments have already been proposed for the capital with many already under construction.

Just last year, the European arm of US property giant Starwood Capital, committed to a EUR 11.25 loan facility to finance the development of a 127-bed scheme in Dublin.

The company noted that Dublin suffers from a severe structural under-supply of purpose-built student accommodation.

However, there have been concerns that the new developments being built are specifically being targeted to overseas students, with affordability remaining a hot topic.