Galway Bay fm newsroom - A city-based hostel has increased its number of student spaces on offer due to increased demand for accommodation.
Kinlay Hostel is now offering a total of 80 student beds - a significant portion of its some 200 bed capacity.
Kinlay Hostel at Eyre Square has increased its number of student beds on offer by 25 spaces in response to an increase in demand for student accommodation.
It now offers 80 spaces to students - and even has a dedicated student accommodation co-ordinator to assist with queries.
In a statement, it says it had actually expected lower demand this year due to the introduction of new Air BnB regulations on short-term lettings.
However, it says these regulations are not being enforced, and tourists are continuing to avail of rental properties rather than hostels and hotels - while students are forced to turn elsewhere.
It adds that about half of students availing of Kinlay's Eyre Square Hostel are returning guests who have stayed at the hostel in previous years and enjoyed the experience.
It says its weekly student rate - which includes breakfast and all bills - is an attractive option that offers a specially tailored environment.
It adds many parents feel that due to spiraling rental costs, they would otherwise not have been able to afford to send their children to college in Galway.
