NUI Galway Students’ Union and the Housing Crisis
According to Focus Ireland, there are now almost 10,000 people homeless in Ireland today. NUI Galway has the highest proportion of students who live away from home. So what, if anything, has the NUI Galway Students’ Union done in the month of September to address the growing housing Crisis?
CRISIS CAMPOUT
On Tuesday 11th September, the Students’ Union of NUI Galway participated in a Crisis Campout event from 6pm — 10pm in Eyre Square, Galway. The event was organized by NUI Galway Students’ Union, GMIT Students’ Union, and One Galway, a consortium of Galway-based Unions.
The board of the Union of Students Ireland, USI, stopped in Galway to show support.
“The One Galway movement, together with GMITSU and NUIGSU are holding a crisis campout in Eyre Square on the 11th September to call attention to the need for the Government to act on the National Accommodation crisis.” — NUI Galway Students’ Union Crisis Campout event page.
Among their outlined damands, the Union claimed: “we need affordable student purpose built accommodation, […] rent caps for student accommodation, […] greater regulation around AirBnB; so housing that could house students or working professionals is not left vacant most of the time, […] more inspectors for properties in Galway City.”
Megan Reilly, when reached for comment, had this to say:
“The campout was a great success and had the desired effect of attracting a lot of media and public attention. The visual of the tents in Eyre Square had many people stopping to ask us what it was about and then discuss the crisis with us. I met with and lobbied Brendan Howlin, leader of the labour party, on student accommodation; and there was broad support from local Councillors and the Mayor, which is really positive to see. We are going to take this action forward now to the Raise the Roof national protest in Dublin on the 3rd of October, to ensure we keep this momentum going.”
ACCOMMODATION SURVEY
The NUI Galway Students’ Union shortly after released a survey of Student Accommodation.
The survey is now closed.
“Information gained from this survey will be used by Megan Reilly, President of NUI Galway Students’ Union and Aaron Burke, President of GMIT Students’ Union in a presentation to the Housing SPC in Galway City Council on the need for more student accommodation.”
IRISH TIMES ARTICLE
University President Cíarán Ó hÓgartaigh, immediate former Students’ Union President Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh and Students’ Union President Megan Reilly penned an article together on the state of the housing crisis and its effect on education.
STUDENT LOCKOUT
The SU has said in a public post:
“On Wednesday 3rd of October we want you to join us in Dublin as part of the national protest calling for:
🏠Affordable purpose-built student accommodation.
🏠Rental caps.
🏠More regulation around Air BnB
We need the Government to address the National Accommodation Crisis now!
€2 Return Bus Tickets go on sale from the SU Office at 1pm on Tuesday.
NUIG Student ID Required.”
President of USI, Síona Cahill, commented on the post: “🔥🔥🔥🔥”
The event, hosted by USI, details:
“Spiralling costs. Rogue landlords.
27%+ increases to rent of student accommodation overnight.
Little to no deposit protection.
Damp, run down and regularly overcrowded conditions.
Box rooms with 2 beds.
Sleeping on friends couches.
Staying overnight in cars outside college.
Paying night by night in hostels.
€255+ a week or €1000+ a month.
Living out of hostels
Commuting 2+ hours to get to your first lecture.
…or not being able to attend college at all.
Students are footing the second highest fee in Europe for third level education, and we are being further locked out by the lack of, and cost of, accommodation across Ireland.
“Union of Students in Ireland (USI), with Students’ Unions and student activists across Ireland are organising with trade unions, community groups, charities, women’s groups and political parties as part of the National Homeless & Housing Coalition. to call for urgent action during this national crisis. — Student Lockout event.”
At the time of writing, the event had under 500 ‘going’ attendees, and over 1,000 people interested. ‘🔥🔥🔥🔥’ indeed.
Written by Ruth Queeney. Photos by Ciaran MacChoncarraige & USI & NUIGSU.
Opinions of writers do not necessarily reflect opinions of The Galway Observer, unless, of course, you agree and think the opinions are great. Then we totally agree. For sure. 100.
Do you have thoughts? Opinions? Have we deathly offended you?
Tell us more! We’ll tweet your thoughts.
