Vol. 25 #06 25 Mar. 2024
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Winner: Best Newspaper at the National Student Media Awards 2019
Student Independent News Nuachtán saor in aisce · Vol. 25 Issue 06 · 25 Mar. 2024
Photo by the University of Galway’s Students’ Union
Hubble rent increase deemed unaffordable By Finnian Cox Hubble Student Living has announced plans for a minimum 30% rent increase in the coming academic year, a move that has sparked backlash from residents. Galway Student Union President Dean Kenny has described Hubble Living’s decision to increase rent as “An absolute slap in the face to students”. Students living in the accommodation, located on the Headford road, will be hit with a bill of €11,045 for 39 weeks stay, a minimum yearly increase of €2,500. Galway is currently ranked second highest in Ireland for rent, with an average of €1,999 per month, according to figures published by Daft.ie.
This new increase by Hubble has left many students no choice but to look elsewhere, forcing them into Galway’s already overcrowded rental market. University of Galway Student’s Union (SU) President Dean Kenny condemned the increase, calling it disgraceful in a press release posted by the SU. In an interview with SIN, Kenny described how the increase is making it impossible for some students to remain in Hubble, and putting others under immense pressure to produce the extra amount. “One student planned on completing an unpaid internship over the summer, but that plan is now scuppered as they will have to work and earn a considerable chunk of money to pay the increase,” said Kenny.
“As anyone that has had to undergo the trauma of house hunting in Galway will tell you, there is a serious lack of supply and higher demand than ever.” Hubble’s latest renovations have caused difficulty for students, closing the parking area which led to many students getting clamped when they were forced to park in neighbouring estates. Another story saw a group of students who were forced to move rooms halfway through the week of their winter exams. Hubble has presented the rent increase as being a result of the recent renovations, but closer examination has revealed that Continued on Page 2