“DON’T MAKE UNNECESSARY RENT INCREASES” – Galway students protest rent hike

NUI Galway Students came out in numbers today and were joined by GMIT students as they made the necessary journey to protest the €1000 planned rent increase that the management of Cúirt na Coiribe announced on Friday last.

The NUI Galway Students along with GMIT students were led by the NUI Galway Students Union as they marched from just outside the library to the entrance of Cúirt na Coiribe today and battled through wind, rain and shine to protest the €1000 rent increase.

The protest lasted for about a half an hour as the students united in force to protest the huge 18% hikes in rent that have been set by management of Cúirt na Coiribe. Students were visibly angry and upset at the underhand measures of Cúirt, especially due to the fact that it occurred on a bank holiday weekend and with no regard for the students who are currently undergoing exams.

Some students mentioned the fact that they weren’t living in the complex but they were in attendance to support friends of theirs who lived in the accommodation.

One student commented,

“I’ve an exam in two hours but I’m here to support my friends who have feel like they have no choice but to pay these extortionate fees. It’s ridiculous considering how expensive it is already.

Today’s protest was getting national coverage with Irene Ní Nualláin of TG4 and Teresa Mannion of RTE in attendance. Students were delighted to see Teresa Mannion a local celebrity here in Galway as they chanted

“Don’t make any unnecessary rent increases.”

These protests are part of the current dialogue surrounding the lack of regulation for landlords and rent prices across the country.

Current Cúirt na Coiribe student Aisling Stafford from Co. Meath spoke about how the price increase is going to affect her situation.

Orla Glynn also a current student from Co. Sligo finds herself in one of the most difficult positions now because she feels she will have no choice but to pay the rents. Orla will only be spending one semester in college and because all other student accommodations have had their bookings taken for she is stuck in a rut.

Ruby Knox, who’s also lives in Cúirt na Coiribe was also very upset at the decisions taken by management of Cúirt na Coiribe. Ruby is from Castlegregory, Co. Kerry and therefore would not be able to commute.

Applications for current students living in Cúirt na Coiribe are opening tomorrow, and opening on Wednesday the 15th May for the public but NUIG Students Union are hoping that with the help of the National Coverage from RTE and TG4 management from Cúirt na Coiribe will reconsider these hikes.

Join these students in their bid to protest the rent increase by signing their online petition today.