The University of Limerick (UL) is to add hundreds of extra beds to its on-campus accommodation.

It says this is to meet growing demand and to provide a more affordable option for students.

UL will introduce a shared accommodation - twin room - option, which will add 630 extra beds to its existing on-campus accommodation.

This will come into force for the new academic year this September.

UL says it has experienced "phenomenal growth" in the past 12 years - with an almost 50% increase in student numbers from 11,500 to 16,300 in 2019.

UL President Dr Des Fitzgerald says: "With the growth in student numbers and following a detailed review of different options and a survey of student requirements, we are planning to develop shared accommodation for students.

"Existing campus accommodation bedrooms will be retrofit as twin rooms rather than single rooms with the upgrade to be completed for next September, adding hundreds of new beds to those already provided in our six student villages.

"This will add another 630 beds to the 2,850 already available in our on-campus residences"

Michael Foley, chief operations officer at Campus Life Services, adds: "We encountered significant demand for on campus accommodation in August 2019 which made it particularly challenging for both students and parents in the search for accommodation options at the beginning of term."

"In light of this demand and expected further growth at the University we will create twin bed options in existing accommodation on campus for September 2020."

Last year also marked the completion of a €20m four-year refurbishment programme.

The cost of a twin room will range from under €3,000 to €4,250 per person - and includes utilities and UL Sport membership.

UL's on-campus accommodation is made up of six residential villages: Thomond, Dromroe, Cappavilla, Kilmurry and Plassey.

The residences are let on a commercial basis in the summer months.