More than 1,300 student beds approved for Galway City over the past five years
By Dorottya Fejes
Galway is a student city, but finding a place to live has become one of the biggest challenges of college life. With nearly 20,000 students at the University of Galway and limited purpose-built accommodation, many are commuting from as far as Dublin or Kerry or relying on digs. Since 2020, four major developments have secured planning permission, promising more than 1,300 new student beds. Additionally, a project that was approved in 2018 is nearing completion.
345 beds on Queen Street
An Bord Pleanála gave Queen Street Investments Limited the go-ahead in August 2018. The eight-storey building close to the Docks is set to be completed in 2026. According to the development’s website, the student accommodation will include a common study space, a gym, bicycle storage, a cinema room, a rooftop terrace, and a 24/7 reception.
254 beds on Headford Road
Plans for a major student accommodation near the Galway Retail Park were approved by An Bord Pleanála in July 2021. As stated in the planning application submitted to Galway City Council by Cleverson Limited, the project includes the construction of a seven-storey development which will be divided into two blocks. The development will provide 254 beds, a gym, and four retail units.
240 beds on Séamus Quirke Road
A 240-bed purpose-built student accommodation is currently under construction in the carpark of the Westside Shopping Centre on Séamus Quirke Road. An Bord Pleanála granted Westside Shopping Centre Limited planning permission for the seven-storey development in November 2022. Following numerous objections coming from residents of the area, the project decided to, among other things, reduce the ground floor by 67sq m and omit the previously planned café, as stated in the planning application submitted to the Galway City Council earlier this year.
257 beds on Coolough Road
Despite local objections, An Bord Pleanála gave the green light to the student complex near Terryland in October 2024. The development will provide 257 beds across several blocks reaching up to four storeys in height. Additional facilities will include amenity spaces, a gym, laundry, reception and security area. The student accommodation will also provide 280 sheltered bike spaces, as well as six car parking spaces. Montane Developments told Galway Pulse that construction work began earlier this year and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027.
(Photo Source: Montane Developments)
586 beds on Coolough Road
McHugh Property Holdings Limited received permission from An Bord Pleanála in August 2025. The project will provide nearly 600 beds across 84 apartments. The planning application outlines the construction of seven building blocks that will range in height from two to five storeys. Communal areas will include a café and a retail space. Residents of the area submitted an appeal, mainly highlighting the lack of parking spaces provided for the planned student accommodation. According to the application submitted to the Galway City Council in October 2024, the development will provide a total of 16 car parking spaces. Construction is set to begin early next year, with phase one expected to open in time for Semester 1, 2027.
(Photo Source: McHugh Property Holdings Limited)
City Council’s policy on student accommodation
In the Galway City Development Plan 2023 – 2029, the Galway City Council committed “to support the provision of purpose-built student accommodation in appropriate locations to meet estimated student need and to free up capacity in the private rented sector.”
Planning applications for such developments are assessed on factors including the location, accessibility to educational facilities, and the potential impact on local residential amenities.
