GMIT Students’ Union and NUI Galway Students’ Union reject local resident and councillors opposition to the development of high end student accommodation in Galway.

The resistance comes as plans to replace the Westwood Hotel in the city with 400 beds for students have been met with heated opposition from  Newcastle and Dangan residents with support from local councillors.

GMIT Students’ Union spokesperson Mark O’Brien has been telling Midwest News today why the proposed accommodation is so badly required for students, as he says many students are coach surfing in the city, and some are deferring college places due to the lack of affordable accommodation in the city.