Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris was in Galway yesterday to officially open Baile na Breacóige – Dunlin Village – the new student residences at University of Galway.
Dunlin was built at a cost of €95 million and the construction is financed through University borrowing. It was completed in time to welcome students for the current academic year.
The project is the second of two new purpose-built, on-campus student residences at University of Galway, following the opening of Baile an Chíorbhuí – Goldcrest Village in 2018.
Minister Harris congratulated Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh and the University of Galway on delivering the significant development and supply of student accommodation at Dunlin Village.
“It is worth recognising that the University has delivered this flagship project at a time when the constraints on development are impacting supply across the country,” he said.
“This bring over 1,100 additional beds provided by the University in Galway since 2018. The Government is committed to addressing the growing demand for, and supply of, student accommodation for our students.
“That is why for the first time I am developing a long term policy on state supported student accommodation responses. It is critical that we can pave the way for students and ease the pressures they are facing in attending higher education.”
The project on the north campus of the University is made up of four distinct buildings with 674 bedrooms in various apartment designs and communal facilities, including meeting rooms and student social and collaboration zones; high quality and capacity Wi-Fi; a large communal reception; a 24-hour reception and security, on-location bicycle storage.
