Students may end up all at sea

A feasibility study is underway into providing floating accommodation barges for more than 400 students at Galway Harbour. The novel proposal to help solve Galway’s student accommodation crisis could see two barges docked in a privately-owned area near the Docks by the end of the year.

The barges would provide accommodation for 402 students in en suite bedrooms, while also offering games and TV rooms and kitchen and dining rooms.

Enda McGuane, Managing Director of Winters Property, told the Connacht Tribune that he has been in talks with Bibby Maritime in the UK, and has identified two barges which would be suitable.

“It is at feasibility stage, obviously there are restrictions at Galway Harbour because it’s a commercial, working port. We have a site identified close to the harbour. There are also issues in relation to provision of energy, waste management and safe access, so we’re looking at all of that.

“These are purpose-built barges for the likes of oil rig workers, which have been fully-refurbished and would be a great solution to the accommodation problem in Galway,” said Mr McGuane.

He said that any student accommodation in the planning stages – such as the 420 spaces at the proposed new ‘Bonham Quay’ at the Docks and the redevelopment of the Westwood Hotel – are realistically up to four years away from becoming available.

“We are all aware of the shortage of residential accommodation, the reality is that it will take a number of years before supply catches up with demand,” he added.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.